Navi Mumbai witnessed an unforgettable night as Jemimah Rodrigues led India to a historic victory against Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. Rodrigues's masterful unbeaten 127 off 134 balls propelled India to chase down a mammoth target of 339, securing their place in the final. The emotional rollercoaster of the past year, filled with anxiety and self-doubt, culminated in a tearful release as she interacted with her family after the match.
Australia, after winning the toss, set a formidable score of 338, with Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119 supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). India's chase began shakily, but Rodrigues, promoted to No. 3 just minutes before the match, anchored the innings with a blend of aggression and composure.
Rodrigues forged a crucial 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a valuable 89. Despite a few hiccups towards the end, Rodrigues remained calm, guiding India to victory with support from Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur.
The victory was more than just a win; it was a redemption story for Rodrigues. Dropped from the team for the league stage match against England and having faced setbacks in the previous World Cup, she battled anxiety and self-doubt. In a post-match interview, Rodrigues tearfully shared her struggles, revealing she "cried almost every day" during the tournament. She credited her faith, family, and teammates for their unwavering support. "I want to thank Jesus; I could not do this on my own," she expressed, her voice thick with emotion.
The moment Rodrigues met her family after the win was particularly poignant. Overwhelmed, she broke down in tears as she hugged her father, Ivan Rodrigues, who has been her coach and inspiration since childhood. Broadcaster Mayanti Langer described the scene, noting the raw emotions and the journey Rodrigues had undertaken. A picture of Jemimah hugging her parents went viral on social media, capturing the heartfelt joy and significance of the moment.
Rodrigues's humility shone through as she downplayed her achievement, emphasizing the collective effort. "Today was not about my fifty or my hundred, about making India win," she stated. She also revealed that she was quoting a scripture from the Bible, Exodus 14:14 "Just stand still and God will fight for me".
The victory ended Australia's 15-match winning streak in ODI World Cups and secured India's place in the final against South Africa. It was a historic moment for Indian women's cricket, marked by Rodrigues's resilience, faith, and match-winning performance. Her emotional interaction with her father and family encapsulated the personal sacrifices and unwavering support that fueled her journey to becoming a World Cup hero.
