No one understands the deep pain of high-stakes failure quite like Harmanpreet Kaur, who has witnessed India wilt under pressure umpteen times on the biggest stages. However, But the night was different on October 30 when India pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory over Australia by completing a World Record chase, thereby storming into the final of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025. And Harmanpreet, who herself played a crucial 89-run knock, exuded all her pent-up emotions in one go and was seen crying inconsolably by embracing the team staff after India's heroic win. India secured a monumental victory against Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final, successfully chasing down a massive target of 339 to keep their dreams of a maiden World Cup title alive.
Harmanpreet Kaur breaks down in tears after India’s historic win over Australia
The emotional significance of the achievement was palpable as Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues were overcome, breaking down in tears as the winning runs were scored. This display of emotion, captured in a video that quickly went viral on social media, underscored the magnitude of a win that was achieved through Jemimah's masterful, unbeaten knock of 127 and a powerful 89 from the captain, Harmanpreet.
Watch video here:
The chase itself was a historic feat, marking the greatest successful run chase in Women's World Cup history and an ambitious undertaking, given India had never before successfully chased a 200-plus score in the tournament. Despite losing key openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana early, India maintained a crucial attacking intent, staying close to the required run rate. The turning point was the epic 167-run partnership for the third wicket between Rodrigues and Kaur, struck in just 156 balls. Though Harmanpreet's dismissal brought Australia back into the game, Rodrigues was on a mission, continuing to score briskly and ultimately guiding the team over the finish line.
With this five-wicket win, India has qualified for the ICC Women's World Cup final for the third time in history, having previously finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. The team will now have a chance to claim their inaugural World Cup trophy in the summit clash. The Women in Blue are scheduled to face South Africa in the final on Sunday, November 2, which will be played at the same venue, the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.