In the electrifying semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the annals of cricket history. With India chasing a daunting 339 against defending champions Australia at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the 25-year-old Mumbai batter unleashed an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, steering her team to a thrilling five-wicket victory and a spot in the final. This wasn’t just a century; it was a testament to resilience, faith, and unyielding determination. As tears streamed down her face post-match, Rodrigues revealed her battle with anxiety, admitting she “cried every day” during the tournament but channeled that emotion into fuel for triumph. Today, we dive deep into the life of Jemimah Rodrigues, exploring her journey from a young girl bowling to her brothers in Bhandup to becoming a global icon in women’s cricket. This research-based profile uncovers unique facets of her career, stats, and personal story to celebrate a true trailblazer.
Early Life: Roots of a Champion
Born on September 5, 2000, in Mumbai to Mangalorean Christian parents, Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues grew up in a close-knit Roman Catholic family in Bhandup. Her father, Ivan Rodrigues, a dedicated junior coach, played a pivotal role in her sporting odyssey. At just four years old, Jemimah picked up a cricket bat, often practicing against her two brothers, Enoch and Eli, who became her first opponents and cheerleaders. The family relocated to Bandra West early on to access better sports facilities, a move that Ivan championed by founding the girls’ cricket team at her school, St. Joseph’s Convent High School.
Jemimah’s early years were a blend of cricket and field hockey; she even earned spots in Maharashtra’s under-17 and under-19 hockey teams, showcasing her athletic versatility. Educationally, she attended Rizvi College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, balancing studies with her burgeoning passion for the game. A unique family anecdote? Christmas nights spent waiting for Santa Claus, where young Jemimah’s wide-eyed wonder mirrored the innocence that still shines through her post-match folded-hand prayers and flying kisses to the crowd. Ivan remains her “hero” and primary coach, crediting him for instilling discipline and technique from day one.
Domestic Breakthrough: Shattering Records at 17
Jemimah’s entry into competitive cricket was meteoric. At 12-and-a-half, she debuted for Mumbai’s under-19 side in the 2012-13 season, quickly rising to the senior state team by 2014. Her defining domestic moment came in November 2017, aged 17, when she became only the second woman after Smriti Mandhana to score a double century in a 50-over match. Against Saurashtra in Aurangabad, she blazed 202 not out off 163 balls, laced with 21 boundaries, following a 178 off 142 against Gujarat in an under-19 fixture. This feat earned her the Jagmohan Dalmiya Award for Best Domestic Junior Women’s Cricketer from the BCCI in 2018.
Her league exploits further solidified her reputation. In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), she joined Delhi Capitals for INR 2.20 crore in 2023, scoring 22 off 15 on debut. Overseas, she dazzled in The Hundred for Northern Superchargers (2021-2023), amassing 249 runs at an average of 41.50, including a blistering 92 not out. In the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), she’s played for Melbourne Renegades, Stars, and now Brisbane Heat as a platinum pick for AUD 110,000 in 2024-25. These performances highlighted her middle-order mastery and occasional off-spin, making her a versatile all-rounder.
International Stardom: Debuts, Debacles, and Defining Knocks
Jemimah’s international call-up arrived in February 2018 for the ODI series against South Africa, though her WODI debut was against Australia on March 12 that year (cap 123). She entered the T20I fray on February 13 against South Africa (cap 56) and made her Test debut against England on December 14, 2023 (cap 91). As of October 30, 2025, her stats paint a picture of consistent excellence:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Fifties | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 57 | 1,598 | 32.61 | 2 | 8 | 127* | 5 | 4/3 |
| T20I | 112 | 2,375 | 30.06 | 0 | 13 | 76 | 1 | 1/9 |
| Test | 3 | 235 | 58.75 | 0 | 3 | 73 | 0 | – |
In T20Is, she’s been instrumental in India’s 2022 Asia Cup and Asian Games gold medals, plus a Commonwealth Games silver. The 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 marked her as the “player to watch,” a prophecy fulfilled in the 2020 and 2024 editions. ODIs showcase her big-match temperament: that 127* in the 2025 World Cup semi-final chased down the highest-ever target, surpassing records and silencing critics who questioned her reel-making off-field persona. In Tests, her 73 against England underscored her red-ball potential.
A poignant revelation from the semi-final? Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s wicket was a “blessing in disguise,” freeing Jemimah to attack without restraint. She emphasized, “I didn’t play for my hundred; I played to see India win,” embodying team-first ethos.
The Human Side: Battling Anxiety and Embracing Faith
Beyond the boundary, Jemimah’s story resonates with vulnerability. Post the historic chase, she broke down, hugging family amid tears and smiles, revealing a month of daily emotional struggles during the World Cup. “Faith, fire, folded hands, and a flying kiss” captured her night of glory, blending spirituality with steely resolve. Signed by Baseline Ventures in 2018 for endorsements, she’s also attended high-profile events like the 2019 World Cup jersey launch with stars like Virat Kohli.
Her off-field pursuits, including social media reels, drew flak, but the Navi Mumbai masterclass silenced doubters, proving her dual role as entertainer and elite athlete. Jemimah’s net worth, bolstered by WPL and international deals, reflects her marketability, yet she remains grounded, crediting family for her anchor.
Legacy and What’s Next: Redefining Women’s Cricket
Jemimah’s arc from domestic prodigy to World Cup warrior positions her as a catalyst for women’s cricket in India. Her semifinal heroics could redefine the sport, inspiring a generation amid growing viewership. With India eyeing the 2025 final against South Africa, expect more fireworks from this right-handed dynamo.
Jemimah Rodrigues isn’t just a cricketer; she’s a symbol of perseverance. As she eyes the trophy on November 2, 2025, her journey reminds us: True glory blooms from tears and tenacity. Follow her saga for more updates on this unbreakable spirit.
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Explore Jemimah Rodrigues’ epic 127* in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final that propelled India to glory. From early struggles to record chases, uncover her biography, stats, and inspiring fight against anxiety in this exclusive profile. (148 characters)
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