Jemimah Rodrigues starred for India in their record-breaking win over Australia in the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Chasing 339, the hosts shocked the seven-time champions with a five-wicket win to seal a spot in the final, their first-ever entry after a successful run-chase of such magnitude on the world stage.
Rodrigues made the innings of her life, remaining unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls, laced with 14 fours. Her calm presence at No.3 guided India home with nine balls to spare. Alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, she added 167 runs for the third wicket - a partnership that broke Australia’s dominance and ignited celebrations across the packed stadium.
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Tears, thanks, and one big family moment
Jemimah dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by emotion, as the final run was scored. She folded her hands toward the stands in a tearful “Thank You” to the crowd and her family watching from the stands.
Moments later, during her Player of the Match felicitation, the 25-year-old made her way to her family, hugging her father and breaking down again, but this time in joy. Watch it here.
"Look at the emotions as well for Jemimah. It has been a tough one, a little bit of an anxiety-ridden one. It was great to see how she put her heart on her sleeve," broadcaster Mayanti Langer remarked on air as the emotional moment played out.
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The remarkable knock came just days after Jemimah was dropped from India's league match against England. She made her comeback strongly with a half-century against New Zealand and then followed up with the defining innings against Australia.
In her post-match address, Jemimah revealed that she had battled anxiety and cried daily while trying to regain form. " Navi Mumbai has always been special for me. And I couldn't ask for anything better. I would like to thank each and every member who chanted, who shouted, who believed, who cheered."
India will now face South Africa in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday, November 2.
