Copyright timesnownews
Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life and produced a batting masterclass to guide India to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final, scoring a sensational century against Australia in the semifinal. Under pressure, in front of a packed crowd, chasing a record target of 339, the Mumbai batter anchored the innings brilliantly with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made a crucial 89 off 88 deliveries. Even as wickets tumbled around her, she kept her calm, finding gaps, rotating strike, and punishing loose balls, reminding fans why she’s considered one of India’s most complete modern batters. Earlier, reflecting on what shaped her mindset, Jemimah credited her multi-sport upbringing and the game of hockey, something that clearly reaped rewards on the biggest night of her career. “Playing multiple sports has helped me a lot. Yes, there comes a fitness part of it. Hockey involves a lot of running, a lot of wrist work, which helps me in my cricket game. But also, mentally you are accustomed to different situations, different conditions, maybe not the same as cricket, but you are training your mind also — the situation is different but the pressure is the same as you will face in a cricket game,” she had told cricinfo. The cricket fraternity hailed her knock instantly. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan tweeted: “This 100 from Jemimah Rodrigues is one for ages. Need to finish the game now.” "Incredible stuff from the girls .. how good they have become in last 5 years .. one more to go .. just outstanding" - added former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Fans joined in the chorus of praise. “What a hundred from Jemimah Rodrigues! In a World Cup semi-final against Australia, she stood tall under pressure and delivered a knock that will be remembered forever!” - read one post. Another post read: “One of the iconic chases ever, Jemi is the star from front against Australia, India create history.” Tributes flooded social media. “Jemimah Rodrigues … terrific knock. One for the ages.” “A knock full of heart, timing, and pure brilliance.” “Jemimah Rodrigues — remember the name. Stepped up when it mattered the most! A clutch knock under pressure, against Australia, in a knockout, that’s elite mentality.” After the phenomenal chase, Rodrigues, the Player of the Match could not hold back her tears and said, "I want to thank Jesus, could not do this on my own. I want to thank my mom, dad and coach and every single person who believed in me. It was really hard this last month, it feels like a dream and it still has not sunk in."
