Dhumal said the victory reflected the BCCI\u2019s long-term commitment to women\u2019s cricket through initiatives such as the Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL), improved domestic pathways, and greater international exposure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPhenomenal win by our girls! Wishing them the very best for the final. This victory is the result of BCCI\u2019s continued support for the promotion of women\u2019s cricket, along with the strong backing of former BCCI Secretary and now ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who believed in the potential of women\u2019s cricket in India,\u201d Dhumal told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday, India pulled off one of the most remarkable chases in Women\u2019s World Cup history, overhauling Australia\u2019s 338-run target with five wickets and nine balls to spare to reach the final against South Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her life \u2014 a majestic, unbeaten 127 off 134 balls with 14 boundaries \u2014 her maiden World Cup hundred and arguably the most defining knock of her career. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was equally impressive with 89 off 88 balls, as the duo added a 167-run partnership for the third wicket that turned India\u2019s shaky start into a commanding chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chasing 339, India were in early trouble at 47\/2, losing Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) cheaply. But Rodrigues and Harmanpreet steadied the innings with confidence, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
By the 30th over, India had reached 189\/2, mirroring Australia\u2019s 193\/2 at the same stage. Harmanpreet\u2019s 88-ball knock ended when she mistimed a pull off Annabel Sutherland to Ashleigh Gardner. Still, Rodrigues stood tall, completing her century off 115 balls \u2014 a redemption story for the Mumbai batter after a lean run earlier in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Richa Ghosh then provided the finishing flourish with a quickfire 26 off 16 balls, helping India finish at 341\/5 in 48.3 overs \u2014 their highest-ever successful chase in Women\u2019s ODIs and the largest in Women\u2019s World Cup knockout history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
By the 30th over, India had reached 189\/2, mirroring Australia\u2019s 193\/2 at the same stage. Harmanpreet\u2019s 88-ball knock ended when she mistimed a pull off Annabel Sutherland to Ashleigh Gardner. Still, Rodrigues stood tall, completing her century off 115 balls \u2014 a redemption story for the Mumbai batter after a lean run earlier in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win ended Australia\u2019s 15-match World Cup unbeaten streak and underlined the rise of Indian women\u2019s cricket \u2014 a journey built on vision, belief, and consistent investment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n