The Indian women’s team sealed their berth in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with their historic win over Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday by completing the biggest chase in the history of the women’s game.
India chased down the target of 339 runs set by the Australian women in 48.3 overs with 5 wickets in hand, thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten century.
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur came up with a crucial 89-run innings and expressed her delight in moving one step closer to the coveted title.
“I’m Very proud. There are no words how to express. Feeling great that this time we have crossed that line which we have been working towards for so many years,” the captain began.
We spoke to each other that we have done this
because we have been working so hard. Both of us are really proud of this team. We have that trust that any player can win any match from any situation,” she said asserting her trust on the side that will compete for the biggest prize in women’s cricket in front of passionate home crowd.
“We made few mistakes but we have been learning from our mistakes. Today, we wanted everything to go in our favour in every situation, and kept telling ourselves to be there for the team, and that worked for us.”
Harmanpreet also reflected on the learnings from the game against England and the necessity to be calculative about chasing in the 50-over format of the game.
“That day against England we realized we did not execute well. We were late by 2-3 overs, could have taken risks a few overs earlier and that cost us. That is what we discussed, that we have to be calculative. Once you are out of the game, it is hard to come back. I know it is 50 overs but the last five overs is where you have to be very particular and calculative. We knew what we had to do in the same situation and we wanted to finish it before the 50th over,” the 36-year-old added.
Rodrigues 127-run knock took India over the line and Harmanpreet heaped the batter from Mumbai while giving a glimpse into their conversations at the middle during their crucial partnership that steadied the Indian skip after a shaky start.
“She is someone who always wants to do well for the team. Always very calculative and wants to take responsibility. We always have that trust on her. Both of us had a good time on the pitch.”
“Whenever we were batting, we were complementing each other and calculating. Really enjoy batting with her. She is always telling me we got five runs, seven runs, two balls are left. That shows how involved she is. Amazed to see how she was thinking. Lots of credit to her, to hold her nerve and keep batting for the team,” she added.
Harmanpreet stated her focus and desire to deliver the silverware to the partisan crowd in a tribute to the passionate Indian crowd who have backed the side through thick and thin.
“One more game to go. Today, we all played well, happy with the result. But we have already started speaking about the next game, that shows how focussed we are and how keen we are to win the World Cup.”
“Playing in home World Cup is special, and we want to give back to our fans and families. One more game to go and we will give it our best. We are not playing alone. They are with us, and every game, they are coming and pushing us. They have been amazing, even when we lost, we got messages that this World Cup is not done and we can change it. Entire country is with us.
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