India defeated Australia by 36 runs to storm into the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 on the back of a stellar knock by Harmanpreet Kaur on Thursday.
Mithali Raj won the toss at the County Ground in Derby and had little hesitation in choosing to bat first. Her decision seemed to be incorrect at the outset after India lost their openers cheaply, but the skipper was joined by Kaur to resurrect the innings. The duo put on 66 runs for the third wicket.
India found themselves in a deep hole once again when Raj was sent packing for 36. But from there on, the sizeable crowd gathered on the ground, and the millions watching on television, were treated to an absolute master-class on power-hitting by young Kaur.
The right-hander went on to score a jaw-dropping 171 not-out as India put up a mammoth 281. Kaur’s stunning assault was studded with 20 fours and seven sixes. There is little doubt in the fact that this innings by Harmanpreet Kaur will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, in both and women’s and men’s cricket.
Such a massive chase, that too in the semi-final of a World Cup, was going to require a Herculean effort from the defending champions. The Australians, however, were pegged back with early wickets by some fine bowling from India’s new-ball bowlers.
Ellyse Perry and Elyse Villani then put on a century stand to give their side hope, but their departure in quick succession made many believe that the Aussie challenge was all but over. That was not the case though, as Alex Blackwell gave the Indians a mighty scare right at the end with a dazzling 90 off 56 balls. The last wicket partnership, which put on a frightening 76 runs, was finally broken by off-spinner Deepti Sharma as she cleaned-up Blackwell.
The Women in Blue will now take on host England in the final on Sunday. The contest, the first edition of which was won by India in their opening match of the tournament, will be played at the Home of Cricket – Lord’s.
