“Speechless and Proud”: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s Thrilling Semifinal Win Over Australia in Women’s World Cup

NAVI MUMBAI, Oct 31 — It was a night of history, heart, and heroics as India stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup final, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets in a record chase at the DY Patil Stadium.
As Amanjot Kaur struck the winning boundary, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur sprinted out of the dugout to embrace Jemimah Rodrigues   the star of the night  who crafted a magnificent century to seal India’s place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.
Harmanpreet herself played a captain’s knock, scoring a run-a-ball 89 and sharing a crucial 167-run partnership with Jemimah as India chased down Australia’s 338 all out in 48.3 overs. Phoebe Litchfield’s 117, along with half-centuries from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63), had powered Australia to a daunting total  but India’s spirited batting turned it into a night to remember.
“Very proud. I don’t have words to express myself. Feeling great  this time we have crossed that line we’ve been working towards for so many years,” said a visibly emotional Harmanpreet Kaur after the match.
The Indian captain credited the win to six months of hard work by the team and coaching staff led by Amol Muzumdar. “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.
Reflecting on lessons learned, Harman recalled the narrow defeat to England earlier in the tournament. “That day we realised we didn’t execute well. We were late by a few overs to take risks, and that cost us. Today, we wanted to be calm and calculative  and it worked.”
She also praised Jemimah Rodrigues’ composure and presence of mind. “She’s always so aware  reminding me of runs, balls, and strike rotation. The way she held her nerve and stayed till the end was incredible. Lots of credit to her,” Harman said.
With one game left  the final  Harman said the team’s focus has already shifted. “One more game to go. We’ve already started speaking about the next match, which shows how focused we are. Playing a World Cup final at home is special, and we want to give back to our fans and families.”
She ended with a heartfelt thank-you to the crowd that turned up in massive numbers. “We’re not playing alone. The fans are with us every step of the way. Even when we lost, they sent messages saying, ‘This World Cup isn’t over.’ That support means everything.”
India will face South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday a date with destiny that could rewrite history yet again.