The Indian women’s cricket team stunned Australia by chasing down a mammoth 339-run target to storm into the finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup riding on an unbeaten 127 by Jemimah Rodrigues.
With a strong 167-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 from 88 balls, 10x4s, 2x6s), Jemimah's knock for just her third century—and first in a World Cup—helped India end the reigning champions Australia's 15-match undefeated streak in the competition across two editions.
The five-wicket victory propelled India to their third Women's ODI World Cup final, stopping seven-time champions Australia. But on Friday, the Indian men’s team crashed to a four-wicket defeat against Australia in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With up to nine batters failing to reach double digits in a total of 125 in 18.4 overs, India suffered one of its most humiliating losses in front of an 82,438-strong crowd.
With a fierce 37-ball-68, only Abhishek Sharma stood tall amidst the ruins. After pacer Hazlewood (3/13) left them reeling at 49/5, Harshit Rana (35 off 33 balls) contributed 56 to push the total beyond 100 runs.
The hosts reached the target in just 13.2 overs while losing six wickets after captain Mitchell Marsh stormed to 46 off 26 balls in the reply.
This prompted Congress MP to post on X: “Following Indian cricket these days is all about highs and lows. After the exhilaration of the women’s performance yesterday, we have a sub-par show by the men in Melbourne and an equally disappointing let-down by the “A” team in Bengaluru. The South Africans will feel encouraged and the Australians cock-a-hoop…. Till the women give us something more to cheer about on Sunday?!”
Tharoor also highlighted India A’s disappointing performance against South Africa A in the 1st Unofficial Test in Bengaluru, in which India A were bowled out for 234 after South Africa A’s first innings total of 309.
At Stumps on Day 2, South Africa A led by 105 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.
Tharoor’s all hopes were pinned on the Indian women’s cricket team that will face South Africa in the final of the World Cup on Sunday.
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