Peak excitement as India’s women eye maiden Cricket World Cup title

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Indias Jemimah Rodrigues (front) and Amanjot Kaur celebrating their teams win at the end of the Womens Cricket World Cup 2025 one-day international semi-final match between India and Australia at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Oct 30, 2025.

PHOTO: AFP

NEW DELHI – It is a regular net session at a cricket academy in New Delhi, but the joy among the colourful jersey-clad young girls is unmistakable.

They have a shimmering new source of inspiration, after the Indian women’s team pulled off a stunning victory against favourites Australia in the women’s World Cup semi-final on Oct 30.

Batter Jemimah Rodrigues slammed an unbeaten 127 as India chased down a record 339 at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium to secure a place in the Nov 2 final against South Africa.

“There is always that one thing that inspires a generation,” said 19-year-old Armeet Kaur, a batting all-rounder who has played for the Delhi state team.

“Jemmy’s innings yesterday was like that. It will really change things.”

Twelve-year-old Ridhima Chaudhary was star-struck.

“It made me feel like I have to play like them,” she said.

The sixth-grade student said she has already been working towards that goal – training three hours a day, five days a week.

“My parents also say that cricket academy is as important as school,” she added.

Coach Sumit Poria called the victory a “turning point” for the sport in India.

“The way