‘Proud of Our Women in Blue’: Sehwag, Pant, De Villiers Applaud India’s Stunning Run Chase to Enter Final
India script history with the highest ever successful chase in a Women’s World Cup knockout; cricketing legends hail the team’s fearless performance after stunning defending champions Australia.
Navi Mumbai, Oct 31 — The Indian women’s cricket team produced a breathtaking performance to storm into the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final, chasing down a record total to dethrone defending champions Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.
Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur orchestrated the epic chase, helping India overhaul a mammoth 339-run target with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare marking the highest successful chase in Women’s World Cup knockout history.
Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls, showcasing elegance and determination, while Harmanpreet’s 89 off 88 deliveries anchored India’s innings with composure and intent. Their 167 run stand for the third wicket turned the tide after early setbacks to Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24).
Former India opener Virender Sehwag hailed the team’s fearless display, posting on X:
“Australia soch rahi thi ek aur semi-final hai, aaram se jeeto aur pahuncho Final hamari ladkiyon ne socha yeh to mauka hai asli dhamaka karne ka! Saare criticism ko dho daala. Kya khel dikhaya. Proud of our women in blue.”
Rishabh Pant praised the team’s resilience, calling it “a match full of heart, fight and belief,” while AB de Villiers described it as “an incredible chase to knock out the Aussies.”
After Harmanpreet fell to Ashleigh Gardner for 89, Jemimah ensured the chase stayed steady, supported by Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 16), whose late flourish brought India within touching distance of victory. Amanjot Kaur sealed the win in the 49th over, sparking celebrations across the stadium.
Earlier, Australia posted 338, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 117, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63. A late fightback from India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, who claimed two wickets in the final over, restricted Australia below 340.
De Villiers summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Incredible chase by #TeamIndia to knock out the Aussies and end their win streak. Just the perfect chase against the mightiest of oppositions. Congratulations! It’s India vs Proteas in the #CWC25Final and we will have a new champion.”
With this emphatic victory, India now gear up to face South Africa in the World Cup final carrying the hopes of a billion fans and the momentum of a record breaking triumph.
