Key Points:
- Heroic Knock: Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 led India to their first World Cup knockout win over Australia.
- Mental Strength: She overcame anxiety and self-doubt with strong support from teammates.
- Eyes on the Final: Rodrigues aims to build on her form as India faces South Africa in the final.
Jemimah Rodrigues, India’s in-form batter, shared her emotional journey after guiding India Women to the ICC Women’s World Cup final with an unbeaten 127 against Australia on Thursday. The victory marked India’s first win over Australia in a World Cup knockout match and set up a title clash with South Africa on Sunday.
At the post-match press conference, Rodrigues spoke candidly about the mental challenges she faced in recent months. “Almost every day I cried before my mom because of the anxiety I was going through. Smriti (Mandhana) helped me and she knew what I was going through,” Rodrigues said. “Friends who I can call family stood by me during this last month. I am really grateful to the people who believed in me. I knew that if I could hang in, I would come up trumps.”
The 24-year-old batter said her struggles with self-doubt and mental fatigue made her innings even more meaningful. “Last month wasn’t the easiest, so it does feel like a dream,” she said, adding that she wanted to save her best performance for the final.
Overcoming mental challenges
Jemimah Rodrigues’ composed innings helped India chase down a record 339 runs against Australia, a target that had seemed out of reach after a few early wickets. She described how she managed to stay focused despite physical exhaustion. “I was praying and talking to myself. Because of tiredness, I played a few false shots. When Harrydi (Harmanpreet Kaur) got out, it was a tricky phase, so I made up my mind to take it deep,” she said.
Her approach reflected both patience and maturity. After several near misses against Australia in past tournaments, Rodrigues said the experience taught her how to handle pressure. “I have been a part of three chases against Australia where we needed a run-a-ball and still lost from there. So those games were a learning,” she said. “This time, I wanted to stay till the end and take my team through.”
Lessons from past defeats
India’s victory ended Australia’s dominant run in the tournament and sparked celebrations across the dressing room. The win was also a personal triumph for Jemimah Rodrigues, who has faced criticism in the past for inconsistency. Her performance underlined her growth as a player and her ability to adapt in high-pressure situations.
Coaching staff and teammates praised her resilience. Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur said Rodrigues’ innings was a turning point for the team. “Jemi played with great intent and calm. She showed the kind of maturity we need in knockout games,” Kaur said after the match.
Focus on final ahead
With the final set for Sunday, Rodrigues said the team is focused on recovery and preparation. “We’re taking things one step at a time. The job isn’t done yet,” she said. “South Africa is a strong side, and we’ll need to bring our best game again.”
India’s win over Australia has fueled hopes of a historic first World Cup title for the women’s team. For Jemimah Rodrigues, however, the journey has already brought a sense of redemption.
“I’m proud of how far we’ve come, not just as players but as people,” she said. “Every challenge taught me something. I’m saving my best now for the final.”
India will face South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup final on Nov. 2 in Cape Town.
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