In one of the most dramatic moments of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues turned tears into triumph. Just five minutes before the semi-final against defending champions Australia, Jemimah was told she would bat at No. 3 instead of her usual position — a last-minute decision that changed the course of the match and India’s World Cup journey.
Dropped Earlier, Then Made a Stunning Comeback
Jemimah’s World Cup campaign was full of ups and downs. Midway through the tournament, she was dropped from the playing XI, replaced by Harleen Deol at the crucial No. 3 position. But ahead of the semi-final, the team management made a bold call — bringing Jemimah back into the squad and sending her up the order.
The decision proved to be a masterstroke. Facing a daunting target of 339 runs, India lost both openers early at just 59. Then stepped in Jemimah Rodrigues, who, along with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, stitched a 167-run partnership that completely changed the momentum of the match.
An Unplanned Change That Made History
After the game, Jemimah, overcome with emotion, revealed the moment that changed everything:
“I didn’t know I’d bat at No. 3. My spot was No. 5. I was in the shower when I told them to let me know if there’s any change. Just five minutes before going in, they told me I was next. I couldn’t believe it.”
That unexpected call became the turning point. Jemimah walked in at No. 3 and delivered the innings of her life — an unbeaten 127-run knock that not only sealed India’s spot in the final but also set a new record for the highest successful chase in Women’s World Cup history (339 runs).
A Redemption Story to Remember
The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. The same player who was dropped for Harleen Deol earlier in the tournament returned in her place — and led India to one of their greatest victories. Jemimah’s century was her third in ODIs and her first-ever in a World Cup, making it one of the most emotional comebacks in Indian women’s cricket.
As tears rolled down her face after the match, Jemimah summed up the night perfectly — it wasn’t just a win, it was a story of faith, resilience, and destiny.
