'Just about winning it for India': Jemimah Rodrigues puts team first after historic World Cup chase

Mumbai: Jemimah Rodrigues capped a dream night with the Player of the Match award after steering India to a historic five-wicket win over Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal on Thursday. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls powered India to the tournament final following a record chase of 339 runs.

Rodrigues, playing her first World Cup, revealed after the match that she only learned moments before the game that she would be batting at number three. “I got to know just five minutes before walking out that I would be batting one down. I didn’t think about myself today — it was just about winning it for India,” she said.

When asked about her subdued celebration upon reaching her century, Rodrigues explained, “Today wasn’t about a fifty or a hundred. It was about making India win. When you do things at the right time with the right intentions, God blesses you.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Rodrigues spoke candidly about her struggles after being dropped from the national team last year. “I had amazing people around me who believed in me even when I was not doing well. I had anxiety and was tired at times, but I kept reciting a verse from the Bible — ‘Just stand still, and God will fight for you.’”

She credited the home fans for lifting her spirits during tense moments of the chase. “The crowd really pumped me up when I was beginning to feel the pressure,” Rodrigues said.

India will now face South Africa in the World Cup final after pulling off one of the greatest run chases in women’s cricket history.