When former England captain Nasser Hussain met a young Jemimah Rodrigues back in 2018, he saw something special. Seven years later, his prediction has come true in the most spectacular fashion.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ World Cup Masterclass
The cricketing world watched in awe as Jemimah Rodrigues played a match-winning, unbeaten 127 off just 134 balls against Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semifinal . Her composed innings guided India to a historic chase of 339—the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history—and secured their place in the final .
Partnering with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a blistering 89, Jemimah showcased maturity beyond her years, anchoring the innings under immense pressure .
Nasser Hussain’s Foresight: A Prediction That Went Viral
Following her heroics, an old photo from 2018 resurfaced online, showing Hussain with a teenage Jemimah during a training session. In that same year, Hussain had publicly stated, “Jemimah Rodrigues… she’s going to be a star for India” . He even conducted throwdowns with her, recognizing her raw talent early on .
That moment, once a quiet endorsement from a respected cricket mind, has now become a viral symbol of foresight and faith in young talent.
Why Hussain’s Prediction Was Spot-On
Hussain didn’t just praise Jemimah—he identified key traits that define elite batters:
- Technical soundness: Even at 16, her stance and footwork were textbook.
- Mental resilience: Her calm demeanor under pressure was evident early.
- Versatility: Equally adept in T20s and ODIs, a rare balance.
From Promise to Performance: Jemimah’s Rise
Jemimah’s journey from a promising teenager to a World Cup match-winner has been steady but remarkable. Her 2025 semifinal knock wasn’t just about runs—it was about legacy.
| Statistic | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 127* | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 SF vs Australia |
| Balls Faced | 134 | Strike rate: 94.77 |
| Target Chased | 339 | Highest in Women’s ODI history |
| Year of Prediction | 2018 | By Nasser Hussain during training session |
What This Means for Indian Women’s Cricket
Jemimah’s performance is more than personal glory—it signals a new era. With young stars stepping up on the biggest stages, India’s batting depth is now a global talking point. As Hussain noted years ago, “You can see so much growth in the cricket back home!” .
Her success also validates the importance of early mentorship and international recognition in nurturing talent.
Sources
Times of India – “Nasser Hussain tips Jemimah to be a future cricket star” (2018)
Nasser Hussain on X (formerly Twitter), April 2018
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Match Report
Sportstar – The Hindu, “India vs Australia, World Cup semifinal”
Official ICC Coverage – “Jemimah’s ton guides India to historic CWC25 Final spot”