Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a career-defining performance in Colombo as she lit up the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 with a dazzling century that propelled India Women to a formidable 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women. The innings, stitched together with resolve, finesse, and flair, saw Rodrigues stamp her authority with a masterful 123 off 101 balls – her highest score in Women’s ODIs to date.
Rodrigues, walking in with India reeling at 50/3 inside 7 overs, took charge of the innings with unflappable composure. Her strokeplay was a delightful mix of elegance and aggression, peppered with 15 exquisite boundaries and a solitary six. She brought up her hundred in just 89 deliveries, celebrating with a symbolic “guitar” gesture toward her teammates, having navigated the Indian ship through troubled waters.
She first found support from Smriti Mandhana, who anchored the early part of the innings with a responsible 51 off 63 balls. Their 88-run partnership stabilized the innings after the early departures of Pratika Rawal (1), Harleen Deol (4), and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (28 off 20). Once Mandhana departed at 138/4, Rodrigues seamlessly shifted gears, building a mammoth 122-run stand with Deepti Sharma. Sharma’s explosive 93 off 84 deliveries gave the innings late thrust, with her knock featuring 10 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 110.71.
Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (20 off 12) and Nallapureddy Charani (6 off 3) in the final overs added vital runs as India surged past the 330-mark, finishing with 337/9. Rodrigues’ dismissal at 260/5 in the 43rd over was a rare moment of relief for South Africa, who were otherwise put to the sword.
South Africa’s bowlers toiled hard on a belter of a surface. Masabata Klaas (2 for 51 in 8 overs) and Nadine de Klerk (2 for 54 in 9 overs) led the effort with two wickets apiece, though both conceded over 50 runs. Nonkululeko Mlaba also picked up two but was expensive, going for 71 in her 8 overs. Chloe Tryon (1 for 46 in 8 overs), and Annerie Dercksen (1 for 36 in 6 overs) managed one scalp each.
This monumental total is now etched in India’s ODI history as their fifth-highest score in the format. Only four totals – 435/5, 370/5, 358/2, and 358/5 – all against Ireland and West Indies – rank above it. Rodrigues’ ton now sits atop her list of personal bests in ODIs, surpassing her unbeaten 102 against Ireland in Rajkot earlier this year. Her other top scores include 86 vs Bangladesh (2019), 82 vs Australia (2023), and 81* vs New Zealand (2019).
India’s innings progression reflected their intent and resilience. They were reduced to 9/1, then 18/2, before recovering through key partnerships: 50/3 became 138/4, then 260/5, and eventually 337/9. Every batter chipped in, and the team effort translated into a score that could prove match-defining.
In a game that had the makings of a thriller from the outset, Jemimah Rodrigues ensured it became a showcase of brilliance. Her century wasn’t just an innings; it was a statement—one that reaffirmed her place among the elite and powered India into the record books yet again.
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