Jemimah Rodrigues knitted together a dream knock in the semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 against Australia to propel India to the final which be played on Sunday.

She stayed unbeaten for 127 from just 134 balls, smashing 14 fours in the innings. She walked out to bat when India had just lost Shafali Verma's wicket and the pressure was immense. Not only did she ease the nerves for the Indian women but she also started a revolution that found its crescendo in the form of a final qualification in the ongoing World Cup.

Securing the Player of the Match award, Rodrigues opened up on her raw emotions. She also gave the fans a peek into the unthinkable journey that she had to endure before she could reach the pinnacle of her powers. She was grateful for everything that she had while highlighting how she hung in there, hoping against hope and eventually that paid off.

Expressing her gratitude to everyone, Rodrigues said, “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 throughout this time. It was really hard these last four months, but it just feels like a dream and it's not sunk in yet (is in tears).”

Initially slotted to go in at number five, Rodrigues revealed that there was a change of plans. Speaking in detail, she said, “I actually did not know I was batting at three. I was still at five while taking a shower. And when the discussion was happening, I just told them, let me know. So just before entering in, five minutes before, I got to know I'm batting at three. But I didn't think about me. It was not for me to prove a point. It was just for me to win this match for India because we've always lost in crunch situations. And I just wanted to be there to be able to take us through.”

Dropping a quick word on her muted celebrations on her century, Rodrigues said, “Today was not about my 50 or my 100. Today was about making India win. I know I got a few chances, but I just feel like God scripted everything at the right time and if you do things with the right intention, he always blesses. And I just feel everything has happened so far was just a set-up for this.”

She concluded on a powerful note, talking about an emotional roller-coaster ride, which saw her being dropped from the last World Cup and eventually from there to last night, she had crossed a significant mile. Jemi said, “Firstly, last year I was dropped from this World Cup. This year I came and I thought, okay, I'll try. I was in good form, let's take it more. But things back to back just kept happening and I couldn't control anything. I had such amazing people around me who believed in me. I've almost cried every day throughout this tour. I was not doing well mentally, going through a lot of anxiety. Then being dropped was another challenge for me. But I think all I had to do was show up and God just took care of everything.”