November 1, 2025

Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium lit up on Thursday as India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur played one of her best knocks against Australia in a thrilling World Cup semi-final. Alongside the young and talented Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet lifted her game to dazzling heights in a match where the pressure was sky-high. Jemimah shocked everyone by stepping up to the challenge with an innings full of flair and guts, but the familiar giant was Harmanpreet Kaur. Every time she walks onto the cricket field, opponents feel the heat. Her reputation is built from match-winning innings when the stakes are highest. Remember 2017 at Derby? Harmanpreet played a magical unbeaten 171* that helped India conquer Australia in the World Cup semi-final. This 2025 showdown at DY Patil only added another glorious chapter to her legend. Though Harmanpreet had a quiet tournament before this match, except for a 70-run innings, she saved her best for the moment India needed her most. Chasing a challenging 339 runs, with early wickets falling and the score at 60/2 in 10 overs, Harmanpreet grabbed control and stormed the crease. Her 88-ball 89 was a mix of sharp skill, calmness, and big-hitting power. Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy admitted the frustration wasn’t just about losing, but admiring two great Indian players. She said, “Frustration is probably not the right word. I mean, they’re two high quality cricketers and have been for a long period of time for India... Harman seems to step up in those big moments whenever India needs her.” Harmanpreet’s improvement from the earlier league game was clear. She looked compact, picked her shots carefully, and battled the tough Australian bowling. Australia’s coach Shelley Nitschke praised her style and the vital partnership with Jemimah. “She just played beautifully, played the conditions well, she played at a good tempo. Her and Jemi often bat well together,” said Nitschke. Australian star Elysse Perry also admired the Indian duo, calling their partnership special. Perry scored a fine 77 herself but praised Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and Ashleigh Gardner’s strong finish for Australia. Perry reflected, “All of us in our dressing room will applaud Harman and Jemi the way they played...they just made us pay.” In the end, it was the cool heads and powered shots of Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues that turned the tide. Their brilliant batting led India to a thrilling five-wicket victory, taking them one step closer to the World Cup final in front of their home crowd at DY Patil Stadium.

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