New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag lauded the Indian women’s cricket team for their audacious performance after they shocked the reigning champions, Australia, to secure a spot in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final with a historic chase at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a stunning century while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored a brisk 89 off just 89 balls as India triumphed in a challenging chase to eliminate Australia with a five-wicket victory, setting up a final showdown with South Africa. Chasing a formidable target of 339, India reached 341 for 5 in just 48.3 overs, achieving the highest successful chase in a Women’s World Cup knockout match.

Sehwag praised their performance, stating that the Indian women “turned a semi-final into a dhamaka,” while Rishabh Pant called it “a match full of heart, fight and belief.” AB de Villiers described it as “an incredible chase to knock out the Aussies.”

“Australia thought it was just another semi-final, an easy win to reach the final — our girls saw this as an opportunity to create a real dhamaka! They brushed aside all criticism. What a match they played. Proud of our women in blue,” Sehwag tweeted on X.

Rodrigues, in one of the finest innings of her career, finished unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls (14 fours), while Harmanpreet’s innings of 89 from 88 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes) was the perfect support. The duo put together 167 runs for the third wicket, rescuing India from 47 for 2 after early setbacks to Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24). Kim Garth’s fiery spell (2-29) had given Australia an edge before Jemimah and Harmanpreet stabilized the innings with their calmness and skill.

“A match full of heart, fight and belief. Congratulations to our Indian women’s team for making it to the finals,” Rishabh Pant tweeted.

Rodrigues' innings, marked by elegance and determination, was complemented by Harmanpreet’s steady approach. The Indian captain secured her fifty off 65 balls, building momentum before unleashing a series of boundaries. Their partnership calmed India’s nerves, matching Australia’s pace — at 30 overs, India’s score of 189/2 mirrored Australia’s 193/2. When Harmanpreet fell to Ashleigh Gardner off Annabel Sutherland for 89, Jemimah ensured the chase remained focused.

Jemimah added 38 runs with Deepti Sharma (24) and later received support from Richa Ghosh, whose 26 off 16 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, brought India closer to victory. Rodrigues, calm yet resolute, hit two vital boundaries off Sutherland in the 47th over before Amanjot Kaur sealed the win with nine balls remaining.

“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 v Proteas in the #CWC25Final once again. And we will have a new Champion,” AB de Villiers tweeted.

Earlier, Australia’s innings was anchored by Phoebe Litchfield’s excellent 117 off 93 balls, with contributions from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). The defending champions were at 265/5 in 42 overs and seemed poised for 350 before India staged a comeback with disciplined bowling. Deepti Sharma grabbed two wickets in the final over as Australia concluded their innings at 338.