New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Fireworks illuminated the night sky, car horns sounded, and the chants of “India! India!” resonated across the nation as the Indian women’s cricket team achieved a remarkable feat in Navi Mumbai.

On a night when Australia’s 338 seemed unbeatable, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur transformed the improbable into an unforgettable reality, leading India to a five-wicket victory and securing their place in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final.

For countless fans, it was akin to celebrating Diwali once more. Across cities from Delhi to Mumbai to Bengaluru, crowds poured out of their homes, waving flags and dancing to the rhythm of drums. Social media erupted with excitement — the term “Women in Blue” quickly became a trending topic.

“This isn’t merely a victory — it’s history. Jemimah performed like a queen tonight,” expressed a fan at a café in Navi Mumbai.

“We’ve watched Virat and Rohit for years, but tonight was all about our girls. They made us swell with pride,” remarked a college student in Delhi.

“The manner in which Harman and Jemimah tackled that target — it was cricket played without fear. It truly feels like Diwali again,” said a group of fans outside the DY Patil Stadium, proudly waving the tricolor.

Earlier in the match, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered the innings of her life — a stunning, unbeaten 127 off 134 deliveries featuring 14 fours — marking her first World Cup century and arguably the most significant of her career. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided ideal support, scoring 89 off 88 balls, as the duo formed a record-breaking 167-run partnership that transformed India’s precarious position into a historic chase.

Chasing 339, India faced early setbacks. Shafali Verma, who stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal, was dismissed for 10 off six balls. Smriti Mandhana soon followed with a run-a-ball 24, caught behind after a sharp spell from Kim Garth, who bowled 2/29 in five overs. With the score at 47/2, the pressure was palpable until Rodrigues and Harmanpreet took control.

Jemimah's batting was a blend of elegance and strategy, reaching her fifty off 57 balls with a mixture of stylish cuts, drives, and quick singles. A scoop off Garth, sharp boundaries off Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux, and a deft late cut through point demonstrated her command. She survived a dropped catch by Alyssa Healy off Alana King and never looked back.

Harmanpreet perfectly complemented her partner, reaching her half-century off 65 balls and accelerating with boundaries and two impressive sixes. By the 30th over, India had reached 189/2, mirroring Australia’s pace and energy.

Harmanpreet’s innings ended when she mistakenly pulled a delivery from Sutherland to Ashleigh Gardner, but Jemimah remained steadfast — calm, collected, and relentless. Her maiden World Cup century, achieved off 115 deliveries, was more than just a landmark — it was a moment of redemption for the Mumbai batter, who had struggled earlier in the tournament.

Richa Ghosh contributed an explosive 26 off 16 balls, and Jemimah’s late surge ensured India crossed the finish line at 341/5 in 48.3 overs, achieving their highest-ever successful chase in Women’s ODIs and the largest in Women’s World Cup knockout history.

Australia’s 338, built on the foundations of Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Gardner’s 63 off 45, ultimately fell short against an Indian team that peaked at the right moment.

This victory ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak in the World Cup and propelled India into the final against South Africa.

As fireworks continued to dazzle the night sky, one fan encapsulated the national sentiment perfectly: “This isn’t just a win — it’s a festival. These women didn’t just play cricket tonight; they illuminated India.”