NAVI MUMBAI: India’s star batter Jemimah Rodrigues scripted a dream comeback on Thursday, smashing an unbeaten century to power India to a thrilling five-wicket win over defending champions Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final.
Rodrigues, who was dropped from the playing XI earlier in the tournament, returned to deliver one of the most memorable innings in Indian women’s cricket history. Her calm yet determined hundred guided the hosts into their first World Cup final since 2017, as thousands of fans at the DY Patil Stadium erupted in joy.
When teammate Amanjot Kaur struck the winning boundary in the penultimate over, Rodrigues broke down in tears — overwhelmed by emotion and relief after what she described as “the hardest month” of her career.
“It feels like a dream. It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Rodrigues said at the post-match presentation after being named Player of the Match. “Today was not about my 50 or my 100 — it was about making India win. I believe God scripted everything.”
From Anxiety to Triumph
The Mumbai-born batter opened up about her mental struggles throughout the campaign, revealing that she had been battling anxiety and self-doubt since being dropped earlier in the tournament.
“Last time, in 2022, I was dropped from the World Cup. This year, things just didn’t go my way again. I cried almost every day on this tour. But I had amazing people around me who believed in me,” she shared.
Her faith, she said, kept her going. “Towards the end, I was quoting a scripture from the Bible — ‘Just stand still, and God will fight for you.’ I was tired, but He fought for me.”
Surprise Promotion and a Calm Mindset
Interestingly, Rodrigues only learned about her promotion to No. 3 minutes before the innings began.
“I thought I was going to bat at No. 5. I was literally in the shower when the decision was made,” Rodrigues laughed. “But I didn’t think about proving a point — it was just about winning for India.”
Supported by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, and young wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, Rodrigues held her nerve as India chased down a daunting target against the seven-time world champions.
“When Harman came, we spoke about just one partnership. Deepti and Richa kept talking to me, encouraging me. I can’t take the credit alone — this was truly a team effort,” she said.
A Night to Remember for Navi Mumbai
As the home crowd chanted her name, Rodrigues soaked in the moment at her hometown venue.
“Navi Mumbai has always been special for me. Seeing the crowd cheer even when we were down meant everything. I just wanted to stay till the end — and we did it together,” she said, smiling through tears.
India will now face either England or South Africa in the Women’s World Cup final, with Rodrigues’ inspirational knock already being hailed as one of the greatest in Indian cricket’s modern era.