Superwoman Jemimah Rodrigues was overcome with emotion, breaking down into tears after playing the innings of her lifetime to guide India to a historic five-wicket win over Australia to help her side seal Women's ODI World Cup 2025 final. Her unbeaten 127 anchored a record-breaking run chase that saw India end defending champions Australia's unbeaten run in the semifinal. India will now take on South Africa in the Women's World Cup final on November 2.
Jemimah Rodrigues' magical ton power India to Women's World Cup final
The massive chase of 339 began with early adversity, as India lost both openers by the tenth over. However, Rodrigues, partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, wrestled the momentum back from the defending champions. Their 167-run third-wicket stand was decisive, taking the game away from the Australians and allowing India to achieve the target with more than an over to spare. This victory marks India's third appearance in the Women's World Cup final, following defeats in 2005 and 2017.
Rodrigues' century etched her name into the history books as she became only the second batter in Women's ODI history, after England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, to register a hundred during a World Cup knockout run-chase.
Jemimah was inconsolable at the post-match interview where she spoke her heart out.
“I want to thank Jesus, could not do this on my own. I want to thank my mom, dad and coach and every single person who believed in me. It was really hard this last month, it feels like a dream and it still has not sunk in. Initially, I was just playing and I keep talking to myself. Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible - to just stand still and that God will fight for me. I just stood there and he fought for me. A lot inside me was left, but was trying to stay calm,” the Player of the Match said at the post-match presentation.
Things kept happening back-to-back, and could not control anything: Jemimah
She then revealed why she chose not to celebrate her century. She stressed that the innings was not about achieving a personal milestone, but about securing the victory for India. Her entire focus throughout the chase was on the team's objective, highlighting a maturity and commitment that belied the high-pressure moment. The century carried an added layer of significance for the young batter, as she openly spoke about her deep desire to deliver this victory, especially after having been dropped from the team last year. This historic match served as a powerful opportunity for personal redemption, fueling her determination to ensure the team succeeded and cementing her return to the national side with an unforgettable, match-winning performance.
“Not about me, wanted to win this match for India, and wanted to take this through (having lost crunch matches before). Today was not about my fifty or my hundred, about making India win. Everything that happened so far, was a setup for this. Last year, I was dropped from this World Cup. I was in good form. But things kept happening back-to-back, and could not control anything. I have almost cried every day through this tour. Not doing well mentally, going through anxiety. I knew I had to show up, and God took care of everything,” she concluded.