Jemimah Rodrigues didn’t just score a century; she authored a new chapter in Indian cricket folklore. Her unbeaten 127 against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final wasn’t merely a match-winning innings—it was a masterclass in composure under pressure, drawing inevitable and powerful parallels to a legendary moment from 2011 .
Jemimah Rodrigues: The New Anchor of Indian Cricket
Tasked with chasing a mammoth 340, a target that had never been breached in women’s ODI history, the Indian batting order needed a hero. Enter Jemimah Rodrigues. Promoted to the crucial No. 5 position, she absorbed the early pressure and then, with surgical precision, dismantled the Australian bowling attack. Her 127* off 134 balls was a blend of classical technique and modern aggression, guiding India to a record-breaking 339-run chase and a five-wicket victory .
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. India had just pulled off the highest successful chase in the history of women’s ODI cricket, shattering the previous record of 331, which was ironically held by Australia themselves .
The Ghost of 2011: A Gambhir Connection
The cricketing world was quick to draw a line back to April 2, 2011. In the men’s World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium, Gautam Gambhir walked in with India in a spot of bother. His gritty, unbeaten 97 laid the foundation for M.S. Dhoni’s iconic six, a knock that was more about responsibility than flamboyance .
Fourteen years later, at the DY Patil Stadium, Jemimah faced a similar crucible. With the team needing a stable hand to navigate a colossal target, she delivered a performance of identical temperament. She wasn’t just scoring runs; she was managing a chase, rotating the strike, and picking her moments to attack, much like Gambhir did in that fateful final . The narrative of the ‘No. 5 saviour’ had been revived, this time in the women’s game.
Breaking Down the Record Chase
The scale of India’s achievement cannot be overstated. Here’s a quick look at the historic milestones from that semi-final clash:
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Successful Chase (Women’s ODI) | 339/5 (India vs Australia) |
| Previous Record | 331/6 (Australia vs India, Oct 2025) |
| Jemimah’s Contribution | 127* (134 balls, 13 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Key Partnership | 132 runs for the 3rd wicket with Harmanpreet Kaur (89) |
From Doubt to Dominance
Jemimah’s journey to this pinnacle has been anything but smooth. In her own words after the match, the “last four months have been really hard” . This innings was as much a personal triumph as it was a national one. Her ability to channel that personal struggle into a performance of such immense pressure and grace is what makes it legendary.
Her partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a vital 89, was the bedrock of the chase. Together, they ensured there was no collapse, no panic, just a steady, calculated march towards an impossible target .
What’s Next for Team India?
With this historic victory, India has stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final, where they will face South Africa . The momentum is firmly with the hosts, and the nation is dreaming of its first Women’s World Cup title. Jemimah Rodrigues has not only booked her team’s place in the final but has also etched her name alongside the greats who have delivered when it mattered most.
Sources
Times of India: ‘No.3s being No.1s’: Jemimah revives Gambhir’s 2011 heroics