IPL chairman Arun Dhumal praised India’s “phenomenal win” over Australia in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal, giving credit to Jay Shah, the current ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary, for his unwavering support and faith in the development of women’s cricket in India.
According to Dhumal, the triumph demonstrated the BCCI’s sustained dedication to women’s cricket through programs like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), enhanced local routes, and increased exposure abroad.
“Our girls’ incredible victory! I’m hoping they do well in the final. The BCCI’s ongoing support for women’s cricket promotion and the solid support of former BCCI Secretary and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who saw the potential of women’s cricket in India, are what led to this triumph, Dhumal told IANS.
In one of the most incredible chases in the history of the Women’s World Cup, India defeated Australia’s 338-run total with five wickets and nine balls remaining on Thursday at the DY Patil Stadium to advance to the final against South Africa.
With a magnificent, undefeated 127 off 134 balls with 14 boundaries, Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her life. It was her first World Cup century and possibly the most pivotal performance of her career. With 89 off 88 balls, captain Harmanpreet Kaur was as outstanding. Together, the two scored 167 runs for the third wicket, turning India’s uncertain start into a formidable pursuit.
India were in early difficulties at 47/2 while chasing 339, losing Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) easily. However, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet confidently stabilized the innings by punishing careless deliveries and cleverly rotating strike.
India reached 189/2 by the 30th over, matching Australia’s 193/2 at the same point. When Harmanpreet mistimed a pull off Annabel Sutherland to Ashleigh Gardner, her 88-ball knock came to an end. Nevertheless, Rodrigues persevered and finished her century off 115 balls, a tale of redemption for the Mumbai batsman following a poor performance earlier in the competition.
India finished at 341/5 in 48.3 overs, their highest-ever successful chase in Women’s ODIs and the largest in Women’s World Cup knockout history, thanks to Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 26 off 16 balls.
With Phoebe Litchfield scoring 119, Ellyse Perry scoring 77, and Gardner scoring 63 off 45, Australia’s total of 338 was insufficient against an unrelenting Indian team who peaked at the ideal moment.
The victory put an end to Australia’s 15-match World Cup winning streak and highlighted the growth of Indian women’s cricket, a path based on vision, conviction, and steady investment.
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