Team India defeated Australia by 36 runs in the second semi-final of the Women’ World cup at Derby on Thursday to reach the final for the second time.
India takes on hosts England in the summit clash on Sunday.
India’s middle order batswoman Harmanpreet Kaur put India to a commanding position as she smashed 171 not-out off just 115 balls.
Kaur hit 20 fours and seven sixes. The Chandigarh-born not only slammed her 3rd ODI hundred but also became 5th highest run-scorer in women’s cricket.
After winning the toss, India were tottering at 35/2 in 9.2 overs when Harmanpreet along with captain Mithali Raj stitched together a partnership of 66 runs for the third-wicket to steady the innings.
Rain reduced this match to a 42 overs per side contest, with bad weather and a sodden outfield delaying the scheduled 10:30am(0930 GMT) start by more than two hours.
India retained the side that beat New Zealand — in what was a virtual quarter-final — five days ago at the same Derby ground where they have won all four matches they´ve played at the venue in this tournament.
Australia captain and star batsman Meg Lanning, who was rested from the reigning champions´ last match against South Africa to manage a longstanding shoulder injury, returned in place of interim skipper Rachael Haynes in Australia´s only change.
The winner of match will play in the sell-out final at Lord´s on Sunday against tournament hosts England, who defeated South Africa by just two wickets in the first semi-final at Bristol on Thursday.
There they will meet tournament hosts England, who progressed after beating South Africa in the first semi-final. (AFP)
