ICC Women's World Cup: India cruise to finals of tournament, stun defending champions Australia by 36 runs

Indian batting superstar Harmanpreet Kaur hit a whirlwind century as India cruised to the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup by defeating Australia in the semi-finals by 36 runs.

Harmanpreet hit unbeaten 175 runs off just 115 deliveries with the help of 20 fours and 7 sixes to take India to a massive score of 281 runs. Apart from her, Deepti Sharma and Mithali Raj added some crucial runs as India enhanced the misery of the defending champions.

The Indian fast bowlers Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey bowled impeccable line and lengths to claim three early Australian wickets. Although Elyse Villani and Ellyse Perry struck up a beautiful 100 run partnership, both left when it really mattered. 

No surprises, the Player of the Match award goes to @ImHarmanpreet! #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/Yv9JqLhi8U

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017

Rajeshwari Gayakwad gave India the much needed breakthrough as she scalped the dangerous Villani when all hopes were nearly lost. Pandey returned to scalp Perry and the rest of the Australian batswomen were befuddled by the guiles of the Indian bowlers. This is the second time that India has reached the finals of a World Cup after 2005.

Winners! 🇮🇳#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/SoQEomeRgS

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017

Mithali Raj is on the cusp of history for the second time after captaining the 2005 team which lost in the finals. India has looked a highly experienced and mature team in the tournament and has defeated England earlier in the group stage.

Cricket fans are expecting the Indian girls to bring the silverware home and the team looks determined to do the same.

India will play their first final at the @HomeOfCricket since the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup Final! #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/5G18DeR9ot

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017