Jemimah Rodrigues’ stunning unbeaten 127 in India’s thrilling chase against Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final at Navi Mumbai has been widely hailed as one of the greatest innings in the history of women’s cricket. This extraordinary knock helped India achieve the highest successful chase in any ODI World Cup knockout match, with a target of 339 runs being reached in just 48.3 overs.
What makes this innings even more special is that it fulfilled a prophecy made by former England cricketer Nasser Hussain seven years ago. Back in 2018, Hussain had done some throwdowns with a young Jemimah and took to social media to praise her talent, writing, “Remember the name… Jemimah Rodrigues… she’s going to be a star for India.” Now at 25, Jemimah has more than justified that early praise with a stellar performance that silenced critics and propelled India into the World Cup final.
Jemimah came into bat when India was around 13 for 1, under intense pressure from Australia’s strong bowling attack. Throughout the innings, she displayed exceptional composure and skill, forming a critical 167 run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, which laid the foundation for the chase. Jemimah’s inning helped India to reach the Finals of Women’s CWC 2025 where they will be facing South Africa on 2nd November, both the teams fighting for their maiden World Cup title in Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ comeback in the World Cup has been a true inspiration. After not getting an ideal start, with two ducks in three initial matches and being dropped in the match against England, she returned strongly with an impressive 76* against New Zealand. Her resilience shone through in that match, fueling her confidence to lead India in the semi-final. Facing Australia in the semi-finals her remarkable innings of 127* helped India chase a record 339.
It was a testament to her mental strength and skill. In the post-match presentation after the semifinals clash, she admitted she had cried almost every day during the tournament, battling anxiety and mental health struggles, yet she fought on with faith, saying, “Not about me, I wanted to win this match for India, and I wanted to take this through.” Her faith and determination carried her through, transforming her from a player struggling with her form to one of India’s greatest match-winners.
As the final is set to be played once again at the same iconic Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Jemimah will aim to replicate her stellar performance. Being a Mumbai girl, the ground being her home — a place where she dreams of shining brightest. With her talent, experience, and mental toughness, Jemimah will try to be the game-changer once again, helping India secure its maiden World Cup victory. She knows the stakes are high, but her focus remains unwavering.
Coming back stronger and more determined, she is ready to give it her all, eager to turn her incredible comeback into a historic triumph for her country, and to etch her name forever in Indian cricket history. This final is not just a match; it is the chance to make an indelible mark and bring the long-awaited trophy home.
As India prepares to face South Africa in the final, all eyes will be on Jemimah Rodrigues, the young star whose journey from a promising talent to the backbone of the national side is now celebrated worldwide. Her story is a testament to the power of early belief, hard work, and seizing big moments on cricket’s biggest stages.
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