The Journey of Heart and Hope That Took India Women to the Final

India Women is now officially the second team to qualify for the finals of the Women's World Cup. The hosts of the tournament have now reached the ultimate clash, which will be played against South Africa. India went against Australia in a thrilling semi-final clash,

But the India Women ended up winning the same, and they have now marked their spot to the finals after 8 years. There was a time when even their qualification seemed doubtful. And now the team will be playing in the finals of the tournament yet again to create history. Let's take a look at this memorable journey of the Indian team to the finals.

Being the hosts of the tournament, India Women had a positive start. The team started its World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka Women. Scoring 269 runs in the first innings, they were able to defend the same and win the match by 59 runs. India had its next clash against Pakistan Women, which was set to be played in Colombo.

This match was intense, as Pakistan bowled out India for just 247 runs. But the Indian bowlers did a tremendous job, bowling Pakistan all out for just 159 runs. With India winning the first two games of the tournament, the team even stood at the top of the standings with a good Net Run Rate.

Against South Africa, the match was too close, but the Indian bowlers were unable to defend the total. South Africa ended up winning the game by 3 wickets and 7 balls remaining. In the next game against Australia, fans had high hopes, as India was able to score 330 runs.

But Australia ended up chasing the same against the Indian bowlers, winning the game by 3 wickets and 6 balls remaining. Their next game against England Women also went down much closer to the team's favour, but India still fell short by 4 runs. After losing these three games, there were questions about the team's qualification.

But their bowlers faced the onslaught of Indian batters. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal had a 212-run opening stand before Smriti ended up losing her wicket. India was able to score 340 runs in this game, as Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal smashed tons. Also, Jemimah Rodrigues played a fine half-century for the team.

The match was affected due to rain during the chase, and New Zealand had to chase 325 runs in 44 overs. They fell short of the target by 53 runs, as India ultimately won the game and progressed to the semi-final stages of the tournament. Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud took 2 wickets each for the team, contributing well with the ball.

This decision helped them more than they had expected. Phoebe Litchfield ended up scoring 122 runs for the team, which was also the fastest century in the knockout of the Women's World Cup. Also, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner brought up half-centuries, as Australia was able to score 338 runs.