INDIA WOMEN IN A SURREAL WORLD OF THEIR OWN

ON the fourth ball of the 35th over during India's chase in the Women's World Cup semifinal against Australia, Jemimah Rodrigues was in the middle holding her breath.

- SOMESH S@NOMOMHA

So was her batting partner Harmanpreet Kaur and the 35,000 fans, who had filled the DY Patil Stadium for what had turned out to be an enthralling contest.

Rodrigues had just been hit on the back leg by Alana King and Australia had decided to take a review. First, it was checked whether she got any bat on it, when that was not the case, the silence only grew. Until the hawkeye projections came on the big screen. Pitched, in line.

Impact, in line. Wicket, Missing. The moment the crowd saw the green, they rose together and let out a huge roar that resonated around the venue.

Rodrigues, batting on 85, had built a partnership with Harmanpreet. She came in at No 3, watched Smriti Mandhana fall to a soft dismissal down the leg and ensured India kept up with the run rate and did not lose any more wickets. Singles were pushed to doubles. She took it upon herself to be the aggressor when Harmanpreet took time to settle in.