India's Rodrigues beat anxiety and tears to become World Cup star
The 25-year-old batter scored 127 not out as India chased down a record 339 at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium
AFP
October 31, 2025
India's Jemimah Rodrigues celebrates after winning the match. PHOTO: REUTERS
NEW DELHI: India's newest cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues overcame anxiety and tears to lead her country into the women's World Cup final with a sublime century against Australia.
The 25-year-old batter scored 127 not out as India chased down a record 339 at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium, securing a place in Sunday's final against South Africa.
India have been to the one-day final twice before but have never won it.
Rodrigues, who was dropped for the World Cup in 2022, said she has struggled mentally throughout the tournament.
She was not an automatic choice for this edition and was even dropped from the league game against England after a string of modest scores.
"I have almost cried every day through this tour," Rodrigues said after the semi-final victory on Thursday in her home city, breaking down.
"Not doing well mentally, going through anxiety. I knew I had to show up and God took care of everything," said the batter, after her third ODI century.
A devout Christian born in Mumbai, Rodrigues said she was told just five minutes before the match to bat at number three.
She responded with what she called her "best knock ever", forging a 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 89.
Harmanpreet fell in the 36th over but Rodrigues stood firm in humid conditions, pausing in between and even talking to herself during the 134-ball marathon.
"I was praying, I was talking to God because I feel I have a personal relationship with him and when I cannot carry myself, he always carries me," Rodrigues said.
"I knew how important this match was and I wanted to be there to finish it off."