From Setbacks To A Stunning Comeback That Inspired Nation News24 –
Team India’s Journey in Women’s World Cup 2025: The Indian women’s cricket team has turned heartbreak into hope at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, proving once again that resilience is their greatest strength.
Led by the passionate Harmanpreet Kaur, the team has battled through early setbacks, tight finishes, and rain interruptions – only to rise stronger with every challenge. Now, with one game left between them and glory, India stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face South Africa in the final.
Strong Start: Confident Wins Over Sri Lanka and Pakistan
India began their World Cup campaign in style, cruising past Sri Lanka in the opener. Fifties from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur helped India post 269/8, while Deepti shone with the ball too, taking 3/54 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211. It was the perfect start – dominant, composed, and disciplined.
The momentum continued against arch-rivals Pakistan, where India once again displayed collective strength. Harleen Deol top-scored with 46 as India put up 247 on the board. The bowlers then took charge – Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma picked three wickets each, dismantling Pakistan’s chase and sealing a second straight victory.
Mid-Tournament Setbacks: Narrow Defeats Test India’s Character
After a dream start, India’s campaign hit a tough patch. First came a nail-biting loss to South Africa, where despite Richa Ghosh’s brilliant 94, India couldn’t hold their nerve as the Proteas chased down 250 with seven balls remaining.
Then against Australia, India posted a massive 330, thanks to a 150-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana (80) and Pratika Rawal (75). However, Australia pulled off one of the greatest run chases in World Cup history, led by Alyssa Healy’s 142, handing India another heartbreaking defeat.
England added to India’s woes with a third consecutive close loss. Despite Smriti Mandhana (88), Harmanpreet Kaur (70), and Deepti Sharma (50) anchoring the chase, India fell short of England’s 288 by just a few runs. At this stage, their semi-final hopes hung by a thread.
Must-Win Pressure: India Rise When It Matters
With their backs against the wall, Team India delivered when it mattered most. Facing New Zealand in a do-or-die match, India unleashed their most powerful batting display of the tournament. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both smashed centuries, while Jemimah Rodrigues played a classy unbeaten 76 as India piled up 340/3 in a rain-hit clash. The bowlers kept things tight to seal a 53-run win (via DLS), reigniting India’s campaign.
Their final group match against Bangladesh was interrupted by rain, but not before India dominated the proceedings – restricting Bangladesh to 119/9 in 27 overs. With the chase underway at 57/0, rain washed out play, but India still advanced to the semi-finals in a strong position.
Semi-Final Masterclass: India Script History Against Australia
When it mattered most, India produced one of the greatest performances in World Cup history. Australia, the defending champions, posted 338 – powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s century and crucial contributions from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner.
In response, India stumbled early at 59/2. But then came a partnership that will be remembered for ages – Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur (89) turned the game around with a 150-run stand full of grace, grit, and class.
Despite a few late wickets, Rodrigues held her ground till the end, guiding India to a record-breaking 339-run chase, the highest successful run chase ever in a World Cup knockout match. The victory sent India into their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final, sparking celebrations across the nation.
One Win Away from Glory
From early heartbreaks to historic comebacks, India’s journey at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has been nothing short of cinematic. Each player – from the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana to the young Jemimah Rodrigues and Pratika Rawal has played a defining role in this inspiring turnaround.
Now, as they prepare to face South Africa in the final, one win stands between them and immortality. A win on November 2 at DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, would not only give India their maiden ODI World Cup title but also mark a defining moment in the history of women’s cricket.