India, Oct. 31 -- Jemimah Rodrigues's unbeaten 127-run knock off 134 balls might have helped India defeat seven-time champions Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final, but it's fair to say that no one gave the hosts a chance of scripting an improbable win, especially when the Alyssa Healy-led side posted more than 330 runs on the board. Harmanpreet Kaur's India was blowing hot and cold throughout the competition, as after initial wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the team faced three successive defeats against South Africa, Australia, and England.

The hosts somehow managed to huff and puff their way to the semi-final, where a contest was set up against the defending champions, Australia. India had its back against the wall, cons...