Jemimah Rodrigues Fulfills Nasser Hussain’s 7-Year Prediction with Historic World Cup Innings
Jemimah Rodrigues’ heroic 127 seals India’s epic semifinal win over Australia in the Women’s World Cup.
In a semifinal thriller at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium on October 30, 2025, Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in women's cricket folklore with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, featuring 14 boundaries, guiding India to a five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia. Chasing a daunting 339—the highest target in Women's ODI World Cup knockout history—Rodrigues rescued the innings after early setbacks, with openers Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) falling cheaply to pacer Kim Garth. Her composure under pressure, surviving three dropped catches, turned the tide in a record-breaking chase completed in 48.3 overs.
The knock sparked a resurgence, highlighted by a match-defining 167-run third-wicket partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), breaking Australia's 16-match unbeaten streak in World Cup ODIs. Australia's innings, powered by Phoebe Litchfield's 119 and Ellyse Perry's 77, totaled 338 all out in 49.5 overs, but India's bowlers like Sree Charani (2-49) and Deepti Sharma (2-73) kept the pressure on. Rodrigues, who had endured a lean patch with two ducks earlier in the tournament and even a mid-event axing, earned Player of the Match honors, her first World Cup century silencing critics and propelling India to their third final appearance since 2017.
Post-match, a 2018 X post by former England captain Nasser Hussain resurfaced, going viral as prophetic genius. On April 18 that year, after throwdowns with the then-teenage Rodrigues in Mumbai, Hussain tweeted: "Remember the name... Jemimah Rodrigues.. did some throw downs with her today .. she's going to be a star for India." The International Cricket Council amplified it, captioning: "Nasser Hussain always knew… Seven years later, Jemimah Rodrigues played a knock for the world to remember." At 25, Rodrigues has now validated his foresight, evolving from prodigy to linchpin in India's high-stakes campaigns.
Also Read: Jemimah Rodrigues' Post-Match Remark: "Australia Were 30 Runs Short"
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal hailed the win as a watershed for Indian women's cricket, likening a potential title triumph to the 1983 men's World Cup miracle. Speaking to ANI, he credited BCCI secretary Jay Shah's visionary moves—like launching the Women's Premier League (WPL) and enforcing pay parity—for the sport's explosive growth, transforming speculation into global pride. "Mark my words, if they win the day after tomorrow, this would be a historic moment... The results have come so fast, and we are very, very proud of the girls," Dhumal said.
India now eyes glory against South Africa in the November 2 final at the same venue, a clash between two first-time champions—India seeking to end two final heartbreaks, South Africa chasing their maiden crown under Laura Wolvaardt. With Rodrigues' resilience and team depth, the hosts stand poised for immortality, potentially igniting a nationwide revolution in women's cricket akin to Kapil Dev's era.
Also Read: Women's World Cup: Shafali Verma Called Up for World Cup Semifinal After Rawal Injury
