The cricketing world is buzzing with excitement after the Indian women’s team pulled off a breathtaking five-wicket victory against seven-time champions Australia, securing their spot in the Women’s World Cup final. The electrifying semifinal clash at DY Patil Stadium witnessed a record-breaking chase that left fans and pundits in awe, including former India opener Virender Sehwag.
Known for his fearless approach and expressive commentary, Sehwag took to social media to perfectly articulate the nation’s jubilant mood. His message, “Australia soch rahi thi ek aur semi-final hai, aaram se jeeto aur pahuncho Final – hamari ladkiyon ne socha yeh to mauka hai asli dhamaka karne ka! Saare criticism ko dho daala. Kya khel dikhaya. Proud of our women in blue,” quickly went viral, reflecting the team’s dominant spirit.
The phrase “dho daala,” meaning ‘washed away’ or ‘demolished,’ perfectly encapsulated India’s audacious pursuit of 339 runs – the highest successful run chase in the history of Women’s World Cup knockout matches. Leading this magnificent effort was Jemimah Rodrigues, whose unbeaten 127 off 134 balls was a masterclass in elegant yet determined batting. Complementing her brilliance, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur unleashed a powerful 89 off just 88 balls. Together, they forged a monumental 167-run partnership for the third wicket, single-handedly shifting the momentum in India’s favour.
Sehwag’s heartfelt words resonated with millions, celebrating what many are calling India’s finest World Cup performance to date. His memorable line about the ‘girls seizing the opportunity to create a real spectacle’ symbolized how the team not only defied expectations but also silenced critics with their spectacular on-field display.
Earlier in the match, Australia had posted a formidable total of 338, thanks to impressive centuries from Phoebe Litchfield (119) and Ellyse Perry (77). However, India’s relentless chase never faltered. Crucial contributions from Deepti Sharma (24) and Amanjot Kaur, who provided a composed finish, sealed the historic win with nine balls to spare.
For a player like Sehwag, who has consistently advocated for aggressive, fearless cricket, this victory was the embodiment of that very philosophy—bold, entertaining, and utterly ruthless. Indeed, as he so aptly put it, they “dho daala” all opposition and criticism.