Jemimah Rodrigues rocks Australia with unbeaten 127 and guitar celebration in Women’s World Cup semifinal

Jemimah Rodrigues delivered one of the finest performances in Indian women’s cricket history, guiding India to a record-breaking chase against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls powered India to victory as they successfully chased down 339 — the highest run chase ever recorded in women’s international cricket.

Rodrigues’ innings combined composure, flair, and leadership as she anchored India’s batting after an early collapse at 59/2. She found an able partner in captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and together they rebuilt the innings with a commanding 167-run stand for the second wicket. Harmanpreet’s 89 off 88 balls added vital stability before she departed with India still needing over 100 runs.

Unfazed, Jemimah maintained her rhythm, supported by Deepti Sharma (24 off 17), Richa Ghosh (26 off 16), and Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8), ensuring India reached the target with confidence. As the winning run was struck, the 25-year-old star brought out her trademark “guitar celebration,” strumming an imaginary guitar in front of the roaring crowd — a gesture that has now become synonymous with her joyous spirit on the field.

In a heartfelt post-match reflection, Jemimah spoke about the team’s mindset before the high-pressure chase. “We spoke about it in the dressing room — this is our ground, and we can’t let anyone take away what’s ours. We wanted to play fearless cricket and dominate,” she shared in a video released by the BCCI.

Australia’s innings had earlier been anchored by Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119 off 93 deliveries, supported by Ellyse Perry’s steady 77 off 88. Their 155-run partnership helped Australia post a formidable total, but disciplined bowling from Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) kept India within reach during the final overs.

India’s remarkable win sealed their place in their third ICC Women’s World Cup final, where they will face South Africa on November 2 in Navi Mumbai. For a team that has endured heartbreak in the 2005 and 2017 finals, this victory carries both redemption and hope.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ performance not only demonstrated her individual brilliance but also marked a defining moment in India’s cricketing journey — one that resonates with resilience, teamwork, and the rise of a new generation of fearless cricketers determined to bring home the coveted trophy.