THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
India defeat Australia by 5 wickets in highest-ever ODI run chase
In what will go down as one of the greatest matches in women’s cricket history, India pulled off a sensational victory over Australia, chasing down 339 runs to record the highest-successful run chase in Women’s ODI history. The victory ended Australia’s 15-match winning streak in World Cup matches and booked India’s place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.
First Innings: Australia’s Onslaught
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that seemed masterly as they unleashed a batting blitz that had India reeling. Phoebe Litchfield was in devastating form, racing to a magnificent century off just 77 balls. The Indian bowling attack was torn apart, with the fielding equally poor – dropped catches and boundaries flowing freely as India were literally chasing leather all over the ground.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s bowling changes appeared clueless as Australia cruised to 180/1 after just 27.1 overs. At this stage, a total of 400 looked not just possible but probable. Deepti Sharma bore the brunt of the assault, conceding 73 runs for her two wickets. The Indian fielding was an embarrassment, unable to stem the flow of runs.
However, when all seemed lost, India’s younger brigade stepped up. Young spinner Shree Charani (2/49 in 10 overs) was the pick of the bowlers, maintaining tight lines even as her more experienced colleagues struggled. The crucial breakthrough came when Amanjot Kaur dismissed the dangerous Litchfield for 119, breaking a mammoth second-wicket partnership. Charani then struck twice in quick succession, removing Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland.
Ellyse Perry, playing her 5th world cup, looked solid. She is the finest all rounder to grace the game. It is really surprising that Australian captain did not use her medium pace bowling in the game considering her vast experience.
From a position of complete dominance at 221/2, Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 118 runs, eventually posting 339 – a formidable total, but considerably less than the 400-plus they were threatening. The fightback from Charani and Amanjot Kaur had given India a glimmer of hope.
The Chase: Drama, Tension, and Ultimate Glory
India’s chase began poorly. Shafali Verma was trapped LBW by Kim Garth for just 10, and Smriti Mandhana, despite looking fluent in her 24 off 24 balls, was given out caught behind on a thin edge after an Australian review. At this point, with both openers back in the pavilion, India needed something special.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Jemimah Rodrigues: A Kohli-esque Masterclass
Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been dismissed on the first ball of India’s opening match against Sri Lanka and subsequently dropped, was given a lifeline – promoted to No. 3. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands, producing a knock that will be remembered for generations.
Partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah constructed an innings of sublime composure under immense pressure. The pair stitched together a crucial 167-run partnership that kept India firmly in the hunt. While Harmanpreet played the perfect captain’s knock with a fluent 89 off 88 balls, it was Jemimah who anchored the chase with a stunning 119 off 93 deliveries.
Her century was just the second for India at a Women’s World Cup semifinal or final, following Harmanpreet’s own 171 not out against Australia in 2017. The comparisons to Virat Kohli’s famous chase masterclasses were apt – the same calmness under pressure, the same ability to pace an innings, the same determination to see the team home.
The Final Push
When Harmanpreet departed in the 36th over, India still needed seven and a half runs per over – a tall order with wickets falling. This is where the supporting cast stepped up magnificently.
Deepti Sharma responded with a blistering 17-ball 24, keeping the required rate in check before being run out. Richa Ghosh then delivered a crucial cameo of 26 off just 16 balls, arriving at a time when Australia were threatening to ramp up the pressure and wrest back control.
A Victory for the Ages
This match had everything – a batting onslaught, a bowling comeback, early setbacks, match-winning partnerships, crucial cameos, and a chase that will be talked about for years. India’s ability to overcome their first innings struggles – the dropped catches, the poor bowling, the questionable captaincy – and then chase down 339 under pressure speaks volumes about the character of this team.
As India prepare to face South Africa in the final on Sunday, they do so knowing they’ve already achieved something remarkable. They’ve beaten the world champions at their peak, ended a 15-match winning streak, and recorded the highest chase in women’s c ricket history.
