Mumbai, India - Jemimah Rodrigues, the star Indian batter, recently shared a light-hearted moment regarding her entry into Australia for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) following her match-winning performance against the Australian team in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final. Rodrigues jokingly said she "was not sure if Australia would allow her to cross the border after the semi-finals".
Rodrigues' spectacular, unbeaten innings of 127 runs off 134 balls at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai led India to an unlikely victory against the seven-time champions, Australia, in the World Cup semi-final. India chased a formidable target of 339, securing a spot in the final, which they subsequently won against South Africa. This victory marked Australia's first World Cup loss since 2017.
Speaking on the sidelines of the WBBL, where she represents the Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues expressed her relief and gratitude for the warm welcome she received in Australia. "But honestly, everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and everyone is so happy in general for the growth of women's cricket," she added. She acknowledged the significant impact of India's World Cup win, stating, "We know that it's going to change the game massively, not just in India but all over the world".
Adding to the narrative, Rodrigues revealed that Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland had messaged her after the semi-final clash. Sutherland lauded Rodrigues' character and performance throughout the tournament, despite the heartbreaking loss for the Australian side. Rodrigues expressed her respect for Sutherland's gesture, highlighting the camaraderie and sportsmanship between the players.
Before her game-changing innings, Rodrigues faced a challenging period, battling anxiety and mental health issues. She revealed that she "cried every day" leading up to the semi-final, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and breaking the silence around mental health in sports. Rodrigues shared how she leaned on her family and friends, who supported her and believed in her when she doubted herself. She specifically mentioned Radha Yadav, her mother, and other teammates who provided unwavering support.
Despite her personal struggles, Rodrigues delivered a remarkable performance, demonstrating immense mental strength and determination. During her innings, she kept herself motivated by quoting scripture and focusing on the goal of winning for India. She said, "Just stand still and God will fight for you," which helped her overcome exhaustion and pressure.
Rodrigues' journey to the World Cup final was filled with emotional hurdles, including being dropped from the team earlier in the tournament. However, she persevered, driven by her desire to contribute to the team's success. In the final against South Africa, Rodrigues scored 24 runs, contributing to India's victory by 52 runs.
Reflecting on her experiences, Rodrigues emphasized the importance of playing for India and the collective belonging it represents. She hopes her story inspires a generation of girls to pursue their dreams with pride and without fear.
