New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Atul Wasan celebrated the remarkable semifinal triumph of the Indian women's cricket team against Australia in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, describing it as one of the most thrilling matches he has experienced in years.

Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a phenomenal unbeaten 127 off 134 balls (14x4), while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed with 89 runs off 88 balls, leading India to chase down 339 with five wickets and nine balls remaining, thus dethroning the reigning champions at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Wasan, who closely observed the match, expressed that it reignited his passion for cricket. “After watching countless games, you can get a bit jaded — but this match rekindled my love for the sport. Hats off to the girls,” he told IANS.

India's innings began poorly, with Shafali Verma dismissed for just 10 runs from five balls, followed by Smriti Mandhana who scored 24 before being caught by Kim Garth (2-29). However, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet formed a formidable partnership, accumulating 167 runs for the second wicket.

Jemimah reached her fifty in 57 balls and her first World Cup century in 115, while Harmanpreet's innings included eight fours and two sixes before she was out, scoring 89 runs from 88 balls.

Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh made significant contributions towards the end, ensuring India reached 341/5 in 48.3 overs, successfully surpassing Australia's total of 338 all out. Ghosh’s quickfire 26 off 16 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, was crucial in securing the victory.

He admitted to initially fearing a recurrence of previous disappointments. “At one point, they were two down for 220 in 33 overs. I thought they’d reach 400. But the way Renuka and Shree Charani bowled was exceptional — they turned 400 into 338,” Wasan noted.

He was particularly effusive with his admiration for Jemimah Rodrigues, likening her performance to Kapil Dev’s

Wasan, however, advised the team to remain focused ahead of the final against South Africa. “People are ecstatic, but it’s not over yet — we still need to win the final. After a significant win, teams often relax. The management must remind them that the goal is still ahead,” he cautioned.

He emphasized that South Africa should not be underestimated. “They are striving to shed the ‘chokers’ reputation and have already defeated England, so they cannot be taken lightly. For now, let’s keep the celebrations modest — once we win the final, the world will be ours,” Wasan concluded.