India’s cricket legend Virat Kohli offered a special and high-praise shoutout to Jemimah Rodrigues following her spectacular match-winning performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final. Rodrigues, 25, played a crucial, unbeaten knock that helped India stun seven-time champions Australia at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Kohli, the former India captain, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning to congratulate Harmanpreet Kaur’s side on their memorable victory, specifically highlighting Rodrigues’s effort.
“What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India,” Kohli wrote.
A Record-Breaking Chase
Rodrigues’s innings of 127 runs off 134 balls, which included a marathon partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, propelled India to the highest-ever successful chase in the history of women’s ODIs. India chased down the massive target of 339 with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.
The victory was especially significant as Australia had not lost a single match in the Women’s World Cup since the 2017 semi-finals. Furthermore, the Alyssa Healy-led side had previously beaten India in the group stage after successfully chasing 331 in Vizag. India’s recent form in the league stage, where they suffered three consecutive losses to South Africa, Australia, and England, meant not many commentators had given them a chance in the semi-final clash.
Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Step Up
Jemimah Rodrigues had faced a tough start to the tournament, registering a string of low scores that led to her being temporarily dropped for the game against England. However, her return to the squad for the match against New Zealand saw her find form by crossing the 50-run mark.
She saved her best for the semi-final, anchoring the chase and sharing a massive 167-run stand for the third wicket with Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Though Harmanpreet departed after a significant knock of 89, Rodrigues ensured she stayed until the end to guide the team over the finish line.
Following the historic win, India will now take on South Africa in the summit clash of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, November 2.