At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in cricketing history, steering India to a nail-biting victory against Australia in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls wasn't just a personal milestone; it was the cornerstone of India's record-breaking chase of 339, the highest ever in Women's ODI history.
Rodrigues's journey to this defining moment was far from smooth. Dropped from the Indian team ahead of the 2022 World Cup and again for a group game just weeks ago, she battled anxiety and self-doubt. Even recently, in October 2024, she faced a personal setback when her honorary membership at Khar Gymkhana was revoked due to concerns over her father's religious activities on the premises. Yet, through it all, her resilience and unwavering faith shone brightly.
"I want to thank my mum, my dad, my coach and every single person who believed in me through all this time," Rodrigues said, overcome with emotion after the match. "The last 12 months have been hard and it feels like a dream. It hasn't sunk in yet".
Her innings was a blend of calculated aggression and unwavering composure. With captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Rodrigues forged a crucial 167-run partnership for the third wicket, turning a daunting chase into a realistic target. Even when fatigue threatened to overwhelm her, she drew strength from her faith, quoting a Bible verse: "Stand still and God will fight for you".
"Initially while playing I was talking to myself, but towards the end I was quoting a Scripture from the Bible as I had lost energy and was tired," Rodrigues shared. "The Scripture says, 'Stand still and God will fight for you' (Exodus 14:14), and that's what I did — I just stood there, and He fought for me".
Rodrigues's performance wasn't just about personal glory; it was about fulfilling a responsibility to her team and her nation. "Today was not about my 50 or my 100, today was about making India win," she affirmed.
Her journey, which began on the dusty maidans of Bandra under the guidance of her father, Ivan Rodrigues, culminated in a World Cup semi-final masterpiece. From a young girl who honed her skills in backyard practice sessions to a match-winning centurion on the world stage, Jemimah Rodrigues has become an inspiration.
As India celebrates this historic victory and anticipates the final against South Africa, Rodrigues's story serves as a powerful reminder that true class shines brightest through adversity. Her innings was more than just a display of cricketing prowess; it was a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the unwavering belief in oneself.
