India walk into their final group-stage clash against Bangladesh with the rare comfort that the result will not change their fate, they are already the fourth side confirmed for the semi-finals. Whatever happens, they stay put at No. 4; waiting on tonight’s showdown between Australia and South Africa to discover their knockout opponents.
But this comfort has not been gifted. India are here because, at long last, the think-tank snapped out of its stubborn state of homeostasis. Throughout the tournament and even stretching back to the bilateral series against Australia, India had looked trapped in a confused halfway house: rigid with their selection, uncertain with their strategy. The price was steep, dropped points, lost momentum, and a couple of heartbreaks that shook belief.
Then came New Zealand.
When Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s brilliant 200-run opening stand ended in the 34th over, logic warned against sending Harleen Deol at No. 3. A naturally steady starter, Harleen’s entry would have slowed India down at precisely the moment they needed to press harder. India were desperate, a semi-final berth was on the line and desperation can sometimes be a gift. For once, they dropped their rigidity.
Enter Jemimah Rodrigues.
Surprisingly benched in the previous match against England, Jemi responded with the perfect mix of intent and elegance: A fluent 76 off 55 balls. Her innings powered India to 340, finally delivering the “finish” Amol Muzumdar has preached at every press conference. The 53-run victory over the White Ferns didn’t just seal India’s place in the final four; it underlined how crucial smart flexibility is in modern-day cricket.
