New Delhi: The night India believed again. At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, under glittering floodlights and before a roaring crowd of over 35,000, Jemimah Rodrigues scripted one of the most iconic moments in Indian women’s cricket. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls not only powered India to a record-breaking win over Australia in the semi-final but also carried the nation into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final.
Chasing an enormous target of 339 against the defending champions, India’s innings began shakily at 59 for 2 after the early dismissals of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Then came Jemimah calm, determined, and fearless. Promoted to bat at number three, she turned the tide with her trademark flair and focus. Partnering skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who struck a commanding 89 off 88 balls, Jemimah built a match-defining 167-run partnership that silenced doubts and stunned the opposition.
India eventually chased down the target in 48.3 overs, finishing at 341 for 5 the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history. Every stroke from Jemimah’s bat sent waves of emotion through the stands, and as Amanjot Kaur hit the winning boundary, the crowd erupted in pure disbelief and joy.
For Jemimah, the moment was deeply personal. Eight years earlier, as a 16-year-old, she had stood among the fans at Mumbai airport welcoming home the Indian team after their heartbreaking loss in the 2017 World Cup final. That day, she made herself a quiet promise: one day, she would lead India to victory. On Thursday night, that promise came full circle.
The 25-year-old batter’s journey has been marked by faith, perseverance, and self-belief. In her post-match reflections, Jemimah revealed that she had battled self-doubt and poor form in the months leading up to the tournament. “There were days I cried, unsure if I could find my rhythm again,” she said. “But I kept trusting that God would take care of me.”
As India prepare to face South Africa in Sunday’s grand finale, the mood across the country is electric. The Women in Blue have rewritten records, reignited national pride, and inspired a new generation of cricketers. At the heart of it all stands Jemimah Rodrigues the girl who once dreamed of victory, now leading a nation’s charge toward destiny.
