India defeated Australia in the semis by pulling off the biggest run chase in the history of women’s cricket.
Team India booked their place in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 by pulling off the biggest run chase in the history of women’s cricket during the semi-final clash against defending champions Australia at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday (October 30).
The hosts overhauled the daunting target of 339 runs in 48.3 overs with five wickets in hand, thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten hundred.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who produced a crucial knock of 89 runs in the knockout fixture, expressed her delight in moving one step closer to lifting the coveted trophy.
“I’m very proud. There are no words how to express. Feeling great that this time we have crossed that line which we have been working towards for so many years," Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“We spoke to each other that we have done this because we have been working so hard. Both of us are really proud of this team. We have that trust that any player can win any match from any situation," she added.
“We made few mistakes but we have been learning from our mistakes. Today, we wanted everything to go in our favour in every situation, and kept telling ourselves to be there for the team, and that worked for us," she continued.
Harmanpreet also reflected on the learnings from the England game, highlighting the necessity to be calculative while chasing targets in ODIs.
“That day against England we realized we did not execute well. We were late by 2-3 overs, could have taken risks a few overs earlier and that cost us. That is what we discussed, that we have to be calculative. Once you are out of the game, it is hard to come back. I know it is 50 overs but the last five overs is where you have to be very particular and calculative. We knew what we had to do in the same situation and we wanted to finish it before the 50th over," she remarked.
Jemimah’s 127-run knock propelled India over the finishing line, and the captain showered rich praise on the Mumbai batter while also sharing a sneak peek into their conversations at the middle during their 167-run partnership.
“She is someone who always wants to do well for the team. Always very calculative and wants to take responsibility. We always have that trust on her. Both of us had a good time on the pitch."
“Whenever we were batting, we were complementing each other and calculating. Really enjoy batting with her. She is always telling me we got five runs, seven runs, two balls are left. That shows how involved she is. Amazed to see how she was thinking. Lots of credit to her, to hold her nerve and keep batting for the team," Kaur stated.
Harmanpreet signed off by saying that her desire is to win the for the passionate Indian fans who have backed the side through thick and thin.
“One more game to go. Today, we all played well, happy with the result. But we have already started speaking about the next game, that shows how focussed we are and how keen we are to win the World Cup."
“Playing in home World Cup is special, and we want to give back to our fans and families. One more game to go and we will give it our best. We are not playing alone. They are with us, and every game, they are coming and pushing us. They have been amazing, even when we lost, we got messages that this World Cup is not done and we can change it. Entire country is with us,” she concluded.