Virat Kohli lauded Jemimah Rodrigues with a heartfelt social media shout-out after her unbeaten 127 powered India to a historic five-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal at DY Patil Stadium on October 30, securing their place in the final against South Africa. Chasing a formidable 339—the highest successful run chase in Women's World Cup knockout history—India overcame early jitters as openers Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) fell cheaply, but Rodrigues anchored a masterful 167-run third-wicket stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (78*), the highest partnership against Australia in World Cup knockouts. Kohli posted, X: "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!" —a tribute that resonated widely amid celebrations of India's first World Cup final appearance since 2017.

Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, dedicated her career-defining knock to faith and perseverance, revealing post-match that the past six months had been emotionally gruelling after being dropped from the squad the previous year. "I was going through a lot of anxiety. I cried every day," she confessed, crediting divine strength: "Firstly, I want to thank Jesus. I couldn't have carried it alone." Her composed 127 off 113 balls, laced with elegant drives and deft placement, neutralised Australia's vaunted bowling attack led by Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner, steering India from 62/2 to victory with five balls to spare. The partnership with Harmanpreet, who survived a tense lbw review, exemplified tactical maturity, blending aggression with risk management to dismantle a target that had seemed insurmountable.

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This triumph avenged India's 2022 World Cup semifinal loss to Australia and marked a watershed moment for women's cricket in India, with the team now poised to challenge South Africa in the November 2 final at the same venue. Rodrigues' resurgence—following domestic dominance and T20I exploits—validates the selectors' faith, while her vulnerability in sharing mental health struggles has sparked conversations on athlete wellness. Harmanpreet hailed the stand as a "game-changer", underscoring India's depth.

As the nation rallies behind Harmanpreet's squad, Kohli's endorsement bridges men's and women's cricket narratives, amplifying pride in a performance that blends skill, grit, and redemption. With momentum surging, India eyes its first ODI World Cup title since 2005, carrying the hopes of a billion fans into a highly anticipated showdown.

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