Nation feels proud for Ind-W cricket team
The ‘Women in Blue’ delivered a night to remember, scripting one of Indian cricket’s greatest comebacks with grit, flair, and fearlessness. As Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur led India to a record-breaking World Cup victory, joy erupted across the nation — from the stadium stands to every home where fans celebrated the team’s historic triumph with pride and passion.
Agartala/New Delhi Oct 31: Chants of “India! India!” echoed nationwide, fireworks illuminated the night sky and car horns blared across cities as jubilation swept through the country. The reason for the celebration — India’s women’s cricket team created history in Navi Mumbai.
On an unforgettable night when Australia’s imposing 338 seemed beyond reach, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur produced a sensational partnership, steering India to a five-wicket triumph and a place in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final.
For millions of fans, it felt like Diwali had arrived early. From Delhi to Mumbai to Bengaluru, people poured onto the streets, waving the tricolour, dancing to drumbeats, and cheering for the “Women in Blue.” On social media, celebrations were equally electric, with hashtags dedicated to the team trending within minutes of the win.
“This isn’t just a win — it’s a historic moment. Jemimah ruled the field tonight,” exclaimed a fan watching the match in a Navi Mumbai café.
“We’ve seen Virat and Rohit chase like champions for years, but tonight belonged to our women. They made us cry with pride,” said a college student in Delhi.
A group of jubilant supporters outside DY Patil Stadium echoed the sentiment: “The way Harman and Jemimah batted was pure courage. It truly feels like Diwali again.”
Jemimah Rodrigues was the star of the night, delivering the innings of her life — a commanding unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, laced with 14 boundaries. It was her first-ever World Cup century and perhaps the defining knock of her career. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur provided ideal support, smashing 89 off 88 deliveries as the duo added a record 167-run partnership, transforming India’s shaky start into a memorable chase.
India’s pursuit of 339 began nervously. Shafali Verma, drafted in late to replace the injured Pratika Rawal, departed for 10 off six balls. Soon after, Smriti Mandhana fell for 24 off as many deliveries, caught behind via DRS off Kim Garth, who bowled brilliantly for 2/29 in five overs. At 47 for 2, India were under pressure — until Rodrigues and Harmanpreet steadied the ship.
Jemimah displayed exceptional control and composure, reaching her half-century from 57 balls, combining graceful drives with smart running between the wickets. A daring scoop off Garth, elegant boundaries against Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux, and a deft late cut past point reflected her growing confidence. After a lifeline from a dropped catch by Alyssa Healy off Alana King, Jemimah seized full command.
Harmanpreet matched her partner stroke for stroke, bringing up her fifty in 65 balls before switching gears with a flurry of boundaries and two towering sixes. By the 30th over, India were cruising at 189 for 2, keeping pace with Australia’s scoring rate.
Harmanpreet’s innings came to an end at 89 when she mistimed a pull off Sutherland to Ashleigh Gardner, but Jemimah remained unflustered. Her century — completed off 115 deliveries — was more than a personal milestone; it was a statement of resilience after a lean patch earlier in the tournament.
Richa Ghosh added quickfire runs with a blazing 26 from just 16 balls, and Jemimah’s finishing flourish sealed victory in 48.3 overs at 341 for 5. It was India’s highest-ever successful chase in Women’s ODI history — and the biggest in the knockout stages of a Women’s World Cup.
Australia’s 338, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Gardner’s explosive 63 off 45, proved insufficient against an Indian side that delivered its best performance when it mattered most.
The win snapped Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak in World Cups and propelled India into the final against South Africa.
As fireworks continued to light up the sky, one fan’s remark captured the national sentiment: “This wasn’t just a victory — it was a celebration. These women didn’t just play cricket tonight; they lit up the whole of India.” (With inputs from IANS)
