The cricketing world has erupted in admiration for India’s women’s team following their stunning semi-final victory over Australia in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Chasing down a daunting 339, India pulled off the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s authoritative 89. The win didn’t just secure a place in the World Cup final — it announced India’s women as true global powerhouses.
Tributes have poured in from every corner of the cricketing fraternity. Sachin Tendulkar, one of the sport’s most revered figures, called the performance “fabulous” and lauded Rodrigues and Harmanpreet for their poise under pressure. He emphasised that India’s composure in chasing such a mammoth total reflected how far the team has evolved — from hopeful challengers to confident conquerors.
Virat Kohli, too, shared heartfelt praise, describing the win as “inspirational for every young girl dreaming of playing for India.” Kohli, who has long championed the growth of women’s cricket, highlighted the unity and grit on display and said the match should “go down as one of the finest chases in cricket history, men’s or women’s.”
Rohit Sharma echoed similar sentiments, noting that India’s chase was built on intelligence and intent. He pointed out that Rodrigues’ maturity and timing, combined with Harmanpreet’s tactical aggression, were reminiscent of the great Indian partnerships that have defined past World Cup moments.
From abroad, admiration flowed in as well. Former South African great AB de Villiers congratulated India on social media, saying the innings “redefined belief in the women’s game.” Australian legends like Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning, despite being on the losing side, expressed pride in what the match meant for women’s cricket as a whole. It was, as Perry described, “the kind of contest that inspires the next generation.”
Sourav Ganguly, never one to hold back praise, called it “a game that changed Indian women’s cricket forever.” He pointed out that this team’s composure mirrored the rise of Indian men’s cricket two decades ago, when self-belief began to outshine legacy and reputation.
The recognition isn’t just symbolic — it signifies a shift in how women’s cricket is perceived and valued in India. The social media buzz, mainstream news coverage, and record-breaking viewership figures reflect the massive cultural footprint of this win. Corporate sponsors and sports federations are already looking to capitalise on the team’s growing appeal, while academies across the country report spikes in girls signing up for cricket training.
Inside the dressing room, players reportedly celebrated with emotion and relief. For many, it was a moment years in the making — a culmination of steady progress, professionalism, and belief that Indian women could match the best.
This recognition, from icons past and present, underscores that the semi-final victory was more than a sporting triumph. It was a defining cultural moment — one where Indian women’s cricket crossed from potential to power. For a nation that lives and breathes cricket, this team has ensured that their names will echo in history alongside India’s greatest ever sporting achievements.
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