Women’s World Cup 2025: Virat Kohli salutes Jemimah Rodrigues for her brilliant performance for India vs Australia

At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, on a humid Thursday night that will forever be etched in cricketing history, India scripted one of the most extraordinary victories ever seen in the women’s game. Chasing a monumental 339 against the reigning champions Australia, the Women in Blue, led by a sublime Jemimah Rodrigues, pulled off the impossible — securing a five-wicket victory and storming into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final.

Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 off 134 balls wasn’t just a match-winning innings, it was a symphony of courage, belief, and redemption. Her bat didn’t just score runs; it told a story — one of perseverance through self-doubt, of faith amidst pressure, and of a player rising to meet her destiny.

A Night When India Rewrote the Script

Australia, the seven-time champions, came into the semi-final as the overwhelming favourites. They had been unbeaten throughout the tournament, riding on their usual blend of discipline, power, and precision. When Alyssa Healy won the toss and elected to bat, few would have predicted what was about to unfold.

Australia’s batting, as expected, was commanding. Phoebe Litchfield’s elegant 119 anchored the innings, while Ellyse Perry (68) and Ashleigh Gardner (52) added crucial partnerships to guide them to a daunting 338/6. For most teams, such a total in a World Cup semi-final would mean defeat before the chase began.

But for Harmanpreet Kaur’s India, this was not a night for surrender — it was a night for dreams.

The Early Collapse and Rodrigues’ Arrival

India’s chase began nervously. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana fell cheaply, leaving India tottering at 59/2. The Australian pacers, led by Megan Schutt, were relentless, extracting movement and keeping the run rate in check.

Then walked in Jemimah Rodrigues, calm yet determined, her eyes reflecting quiet fire.

From the first few balls she faced, Rodrigues appeared in control. Her footwork was precise, her timing immaculate, and her intent unmistakable. Every boundary she struck began to change the energy of the stadium. The once anxious Indian crowd found its voice again.

Partnering with her skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Rodrigues slowly began the process of rebuilding. What followed was a masterclass in composure and tactical brilliance.

The Defining Partnership: Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Take Charge

When pressure is at its highest, champions reveal themselves — and the partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (127)* and Harmanpreet Kaur (89) will go down as one of the greatest in India’s cricketing folklore.

Together, they added 167 runs, dismantling the Australian bowling attack with patience, precision, and poise.

Rodrigues was the architect, threading gaps, running hard between wickets, and rotating the strike with intent. Harmanpreet, her trusted ally, played the perfect supporting role — absorbing pressure and striking boundaries when needed.

By the 40th over, the required rate was under control, and belief had spread like wildfire — in the stands, in the dressing room, and across millions watching back home.

Rodrigues’ Moment of Glory

As wickets tumbled around her in the final stretch, Rodrigues stood tall — unflustered, unfazed, and unbreakable.

When the winning boundary finally raced past point, the DY Patil erupted in unison. Rodrigues, overwhelmed, raised her bat and looked skyward — tears in her eyes, gratitude in her heart. It wasn’t just a victory; it was catharsis.

Her 127 not out off 134 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, was an innings of supreme quality and mental fortitude — arguably one of the finest in the history of women’s cricket.

It wasn’t about brute strength. It was about willpower, belief, and grace under fire.

Post-Match: Jemimah’s Emotional Confession

In the aftermath of victory, Jemimah’s post-match interview left not a single dry eye in the stadium. She spoke not as a cricketer celebrating glory, but as a human being who had battled storms within.

“Firstly, I want to thank Jesus, because I couldn’t do this on my own. I know He carried me through today. I want to thank my mom, my dad, my coach, and every single person who just believed in me,” she began, her voice trembling.

“It was really hard this last month. It feels like a dream and it still hasn’t sunk in yet. I’ve cried almost every day through this tour. I wasn’t doing well mentally, going through anxiety. Today wasn’t about my fifty or my hundred — it was about making India win.”

“Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible, to stand still and that God will fight for me. I just stood there, and He fought for me. I’m saving one more for the finals.”

The crowd responded with a standing ovation. It was a moment where sport transcended competition — a reminder of the human spirit behind every scorecard.

Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Tribute: The Chase Master Salutes the New Queen of Chases

Among the millions moved by India’s victory was Virat Kohli, the man who himself has built a legacy around chasing down impossible targets. The former Indian captain took to social media shortly after the match to salute Rodrigues and the team’s heroic performance.

“What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India!”

Kohli’s tribute, coming from one of cricket’s greatest chasers, carried immense weight. His words encapsulated what the world had witnessed — not just a win, but a performance that embodied the soul of Indian cricket: heart, hunger, and humility.

Australia’s Dominance Broken

For Australia, this defeat marked the end of an era. They had entered the semi-final unbeaten in the tournament and boasting an impeccable record in World Cup knockouts. Yet, on this fateful night, India broke their aura of invincibility.

Despite Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and crucial contributions from Perry (68) and Gardner (52), the defending champions couldn’t hold their nerve in the field.

Captain Alyssa Healy acknowledged India’s brilliance in her post-match remarks:

“Credit to India. They were fearless and smart. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet played world-class cricket. We gave our best, but sometimes, you just have to tip your hat to brilliance.”

It was a rare admission of defeat from one of the most dominant teams in women’s cricket history.

Reactions Pour In: A Nation Celebrates

As news of India’s triumph spread, social media exploded in celebration. From Bollywood stars to sporting legends, tributes poured in for the team.

Former India captain Mithali Raj called it “a defining moment for Indian women’s cricket,” while Sachin Tendulkar described Rodrigues’ innings as “an exhibition of composure and character.”

Fans gathered outside DY Patil Stadium waving tricolours, chanting “India! India!” as fireworks lit up the night sky. It wasn’t just a win; it was a national moment of pride — reminiscent of India’s most iconic cricketing victories.

How the Game Unfolded – A Quick Recap

India Bowling: Deepti Sharma 2/54, Renuka Singh 1/63, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 1/58.

Australia Bowling: Schutt 2/64, Gardner 1/48, McGrath 1/59.

Rodrigues’ Redemption Arc: From Doubt to Destiny

Behind Rodrigues’ radiant smile lies a journey of grit. For months leading up to the World Cup, her form was under scrutiny. Critics questioned her place in the squad; self-doubt crept in.

Yet, instead of succumbing, she fought — spending extra hours in the nets, working closely with coaches, and relying on faith to rebuild her mental strength.

This innings, therefore, wasn’t just about numbers. It was about silencing the noise, embracing vulnerability, and proving that true greatness often emerges from moments of struggle.

Her story has now become an anthem for every young cricketer fighting unseen battles — a reminder that resilience is the most beautiful form of strength.

Harmanpreet’s Leadership: Calm Amid the Storm

While Rodrigues rightfully took the spotlight, Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy deserves equal praise. Her calm presence during the chase, ability to back her players, and tactical clarity defined India’s performance.

By promoting Richa Ghosh ahead of Deepti Sharma, Kaur ensured momentum never dipped. Her partnership with Rodrigues reflected not just chemistry, but deep mutual respect — two warriors carrying the nation’s hopes with poise.

A New Chapter in Women’s Cricket

This semi-final wasn’t just about numbers or a spot in the final — it was about breaking barriers.

The scenes at DY Patil Stadium told their own story: packed stands, roaring fans, and an energy usually reserved for men’s cricket. The audience, filled with young girls waving flags, saw in Rodrigues a hero they could relate to — one who smiled, stumbled, and still soared.

The victory is a milestone in India’s women’s cricket journey — proof that belief, preparation, and opportunity can combine to create miracles.

The Road Ahead: Eyes on the Final

With this monumental triumph, India now marches into their third Women’s World Cup Final, brimming with confidence and belief. Rodrigues has already promised “one more” — a statement that has become a rallying cry for fans.

Whether the final opponent is England or South Africa, one thing is certain: India will enter the contest not as underdogs, but as a team reborn — fearless, united, and full of faith.

 A Night That Defined a Generation

October 30, 2025, will forever be remembered as the night India conquered giants — not just with skill, but with heart. Jemimah Rodrigues’ innings was more than cricket; it was poetry in motion, a story of redemption that transcended sport.

From Virat Kohli’s salute to the nation’s collective applause, India’s win was a testament to what makes cricket beautiful — its ability to inspire, to heal, and to unite.

In years to come, when future generations ask about the greatest chases in cricket history, this match will be spoken of not just for the scoreline, but for the spirit it embodied.

Because on that night in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues didn’t just chase 339 runs — she chased faith, hope, and destiny, and she caught them all.

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