WATCH: Jemimah Rodrigues shares an emotional moment with her father after her World Cup heroics…
New Delhi: It was a historic night at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, as Harmanpreet Kaur-led team India scripted the greatest moment in Indian women’s cricket history. The World Cup hosts halted the dominance of seven-time champions Australia by pulling off the highest-ever chase in the tournament’s history to reach the final. Jemimah Rodrigues played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 127 off 134 deliveries, which included 14 boundaries, guiding India to victory in the 339-run chase with five wickets in hand and nine deliveries remaining.
Following the memorable win in front of a packed stadium, an emotional Jemimah couldn’t hold back her tears and was comforted by her teammates. She was later seen folding her hands and saying, “Thank you,” seemingly as a gesture to her family, who were present in the stands.
Jemimah broke down after meeting her father
After receiving the Player of the Match award, Jemimah made her way to meet her family, where she once again broke down, this time with tears of happiness. She first embraced her father, who remained composed, before sharing emotional hugs with the rest of her family.
“Look at the emotions as well for Jemimah. It has been a tough one, a little bit of an anxiety-ridden one. It was great to see how she put her heart on her sleeve,” said broadcaster Mayanti Langer as she described the entire sequence of events.
Interestingly, after being left out of India’s league-stage match against England, Jemimah was brought back at number three in the next match against New Zealand, where she scored a half-century against the White Ferns to celebrate her comeback.
Jemimah shared a 167-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur
However, it was the game against Australia in the semi-finals that brought the best out in Jemimah, as she guided the team over the line in a historic run-chase. She also shared a 167-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for the third wicket.
While receiving her Player of the Match speech, Jemimah opened up about struggling with anxiety, admitting that she cried every day during that period. She also reflected on the difficult phase when she was dropped from the team last year.
“Navi Mumbai has always been special for me. And I couldn’t ask for anything better. I would like to thank each and every member who chanted, who shouted, who believed, who cheered,” said Jemimah.
“Everything. And I knew when I was down and out, but for every run they were cheering, it pumped me up. So thank you for everyone who came in large numbers and everyone who supported,” she added.
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