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New Delhi: Jemimah Rodrigues produced a masterclass under pressure as India stunned defending champions Australia to storm into the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 final. Her unbeaten knock of 127 not only powered India to a record-breaking win but also brought back an old, charming story involving none other than MS Dhoni.
Things looked bleak for India when Australia piled up a mammoth 338 with Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry stitching together commanding knocks that put the defending champions in control but Jemimah had other plans. She got promoted to number three just before she walked out and she played the innings of her life.
Her knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression. he built her innings with patience early on before opening up in the final phase. She partnered with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed with a fluent 89. Jemimah etched her name in the history books as she guided India to one of their most memorable victories of 341 for 5 with seven balls to spare.
After the game, an old video of Jemimah resurfaced and gave fans a glimpse of her humble beginnings and confidence. In that clip, Jemimah recalled a conversation with MS Dhoni that left the former India skipper genuinely surprised.
“He asked me the weight of my bat,” Jemimah said. “I told him 1200 grams. He said, ‘You use a heavier bat than me!’ He’s very down-to-earth and has an aura about him.”
Jemimah and Harmanpreet's 167-run stand for the third wicket was monumental, setting a new record for the highest partnership against Australia in Women’s World Cup history. It also became India’s best-ever stand in a knockout fixture, surpassing the 137-run partnership between Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma from the 2017 semifinal.
India's focus now shifts to the finals against South Africa. With Jemimah in the form of her life and Harmanpreet leading with intent, Women in Blue have the momentum and belief to finally end their wait for a World Cup trophy and that too on home soil.
The night at DY Patil will be remembered for many reasons but above all it was the night Jemimah Rodrigues came of age with her bat and her belief.
