India Makes History as Rodrigues and Harmanpreet End Australia’s Reign

India had been subject to a previous run chase that yielded different results. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet rose to the challenge and played a key role in India's victory, not only challenging Australia but defeating them.

DY Patil Stadium was rocking as Rodrigues ran to Amanjot Kaur and picked her up in sheer exultation. Rodrigues fell exhausted, and her colleagues rushed to her. India reached their third World Cup final since 2017, defeating Australia for the first time in 16 World Cup encounters.

India chased 338 in 49th over. Topping the run chart are Rodrigues with 127 and Harmanpreet with 89.

For Australia, this was a devastating blow. Not only did India end their reign in the World Cup, but they also made history with this record chase. The stage is now set for India to face South Africa in Sunday’s final, the first ODI World Cup final without either Australia or England.

There was a tense moment as the chase got into early difficulties when Shafali Verma was lbw off Kim Garth. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet reconstructed the innings, and their partnership became the turning point in the game, keeping the hunt equal.

One possible turning point came when Alyssa Healy had the chance to catch Rodrigues on 82. Phoebe Litchfield previously made a smashing 100. Australia was assisted by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63) to 338. Later, India fought back with their bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma and Charani, taking 8 wickets for 118 runs.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma opened the batting for India. Verma and Mandhana dropped early, making it 59/2 at the end of the power-play. Australia had made a more secure beginning, 72/1, but Rodrigues and Harmanpreet had come to the rescue.

The composed innings by Rodrigues gave Harmanpreet a chance to relax. Rodrigues reached her half-century in 57 balls, while Harmanpreet took 65 balls to do the same. Both kept their heads, striking the spectacular sixes over extra cover at the hands of Tahlia McGrath and in the middle of the wicket at the hands of Gardner. At her half-century, India required 150 in  20 overs.

Following Harmanpreet's dismissal, Deepti Sharma was run out for 24. Richa Ghosh then made a cameo, hitting two fours and two sixes before being dismissed. India had a good foundation that kept the chase on course.

Rodrigues and Harmanpreet contributed to 167 in 156 balls, a perfect start. Rodrigues' maiden World Cup century came off 114 balls, but she chose not to celebrate until the task was fully completed. A bursting out of joy ensued when she had finished.

As the final match of the World Cup approaches, the anticipation is for another exciting match. India has a match against South Africa on Sunday, and the nation's expectations are on them.