The greatest chase: how India kept their cool amid the drama

By Admin

31 Oct, 2025

Cricket has always been a game of moments   of fine margins, nerves of steel, and sheer willpower. On Thursday night at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, the Indian women’s cricket team scripted one such unforgettable moment as they stormed into the Women’s World Cup 2025 final by defeating the mighty Australia a team that had long been India’s nemesis in ICC knockout matches.

Rising from Past Heartbreaks
The echoes of the narrow loss against England in Indore were still fresh in the Indian camp. Back then, the equation of 36 off 30 spiraled out of control, and despite Amanjot Kaur’s valiant effort, India fell short by four runs. That defeat lingered in her mind. But this time, there would be no repeat.

As Amanjot cut the ball past backward point to seal the victory, Jemimah Rodrigues lifted her high in celebration, then dropped to the ground, overcome with emotion. The crowd of 34,651 erupted  tears, cheers, and the roar of redemption filled the air.

The Turning Point
The chase of 339 was always going to test India’s mettle. Rodrigues, steady and sublime, brought up her maiden World Cup century. Richa Ghosh provided fireworks, taking apart Ashleigh Gardner with a six and a four in quick succession. But cricket rarely follows a straight script.

When Richa fell to Annabel Sutherland   who again proved why she’s one of the world’s best   the scoreboard read 29 off 24. The tension was unbearable. Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal through DRS silence the crowd. India’s hopes rested on Rodrigues and Amanjot.

Composure Under Pressure
As Amanjot walked in, she asked Rodrigues, “Should I charge at the bowlers or will you do so?” Rodrigues, calm as ever, replied, “We are good runners. Hum nikaal lenge.” The plan was simple   play smart, run hard, and finish with an over to spare.

And they did exactly that. Sutherland’s slower ball was scooped past the wicketkeeper, followed by a fierce cut behind point. Fifteen runs from the 48th over changed everything. The equation dropped to eight off twelve, and Amanjot sealed the deal with two crisp boundaries   setting off wild celebrations both on and off the field.

Lessons in Resilience and Team Spirit
This was more than just a win; it was a masterclass in temperament. Amanjot later admitted that she had the England match in mind and didn’t want a repeat. “We calculated and the fifteen runs from Annabel Sutherland’s over helped us greatly,” she said.

Interestingly, Rodrigues was slated to bat at No. 5 but was pushed up to No. 3 just before the match   a move that proved to be a masterstroke. The pair’s partnership showcased maturity beyond measure, proving that calmness under pressure can conquer even the fiercest opponents.

India’s Moment of Glory
As the team gathered in a tight huddle, tears turned into smiles, and disappointment from past tournaments finally gave way to belief. India had finally crossed the hurdle that had haunted them for years   beating Australia in a knockout.

In the end, it wasn’t just about the runs or the boundaries. It was about belief, resilience, and composure   the essence of Indian cricket’s new chapter. This victory wasn’t merely a chase; it was a statement to the world   that India can stay calm amid chaos and still find their way to glory.