In what many are calling a defining moment for Indian women’s cricket, Jemimah Rodrigues’ sensational 127 off 134 balls in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against Australia has drawn comparisons to one of India’s most legendary knocks — Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983.
Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal was among the first to make the connection, saying Jemimah “replayed” Kapil’s iconic innings — one that turned India’s fortunes in the men’s World Cup four decades ago.
“It was phenomenal to watch Jemimah—the way she played yesterday. None of us remembers Kapil Dev’s innings against Zimbabwe, as it was never televised. Jemimah replayed that moment for us — she did what Kapil Paji did long back. The only difference is that this time, the world got to see it,”
said Dhumal in an interview with ANI.
A Record-Breaking Chase
In Thursday’s high-octane semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, Australia posted a commanding 338 runs, setting the stage for the highest successful run chase in Women’s World Cup history.
India lost both openers — Smriti Mandhana (24) and Shafali Verma (10) — within the first 10 overs, stumbling to 59/2. However, Jemimah’s calm resilience and explosive stroke play kept India in the hunt. She built crucial partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur (89), Deepti Sharma (24), and Richa Ghosh (26) to steer India home with five wickets and nine balls to spare.
Two dropped catches by Australia added a touch of luck to her innings, but Jemimah’s control under pressure and ability to find gaps across the field defined India’s chase.
“The Best Innings of the Tournament”
Dhumal called Jemimah’s innings the standout performance of the World Cup, praising her leadership and composure.
“The entire country and the entire world watched how Jemimah led the team when they were down. Smriti has been in phenomenal form, but when India lost her early, Jemimah stepped up and fought till the finish. It was a phenomenal innings that outshone every other in this tournament,”
Dhumal added.
From a Slow Start to a Dream Comeback
Interestingly, Jemimah’s road to the semi-final heroics wasn’t smooth. She had struggled in the group stage with scores of 0, 32, 0, and 33, even being dropped from the playing XI against England in Indore.
But the Mumbai batter made a stunning return at her home ground — delivering an unforgettable knock that not only ended Australia’s title defense but also ignited hopes of a maiden Women’s World Cup trophy for India.
After the emphatic win, India will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium, with history once again within reach.