‘Blessing in disguise,’ says Jemimah on Harman’s exit

Overwhelmed by emotion after guiding India to a historic World Cup final, Jemimah Rodrigues described captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal in the semifinal against Australia as a “blessing in disguise” a moment that reignited her focus and fuelled one of the most remarkable innings in women’s cricket history.

Jemimah’s unbeaten 127 off 134 balls powered India to a world-record chase of 339, sealing their spot in the Women’s ODI World Cup final against South Africa. Her innings, full of poise and determination, came under immense pressure after Harmanpreet’s departure for 89 in the 36th over.

“I was telling Harry di (Harmanpreet) that we both had to finish the game,” Jemimah recalled. “When she got out, I was tired and losing focus, but her dismissal gave me fresh purpose. I told myself, ‘Okay, she’s out, now I’ll finish it for her.’ That moment got me back in the right zone.”

Through tears at the post-match press conference, the 24-year-old revealed how faith and inner strength kept her going during the tense chase. “I was praying, talking to God because I’d lost a lot of energy,” she said. “Every time I knelt, I was just seeking strength. I believe when I can’t carry myself, He carries me.”

Her gritty knock came after a tough personal phase earlier in the tournament, where she battled anxiety and self-doubt. “I used to cry to my mom every day. I felt numb, didn’t know what to do,” she admitted. “But my parents, Arundhati (Reddy), Smriti (Mandhana), and Radha (Yadav) stood by me. Smriti didn’t say much, but just her presence meant a lot. Arundhati checked on me daily.”

Jemimah credited India’s belief and familiarity with the conditions at DY Patil Stadium for their fearless approach to the 339-run chase. “We knew any score is chaseable here if you spend time at the crease,” she explained. “Australia were probably 30 runs short. My only thought was to stay till the end runs would come if I was there.”

As India now prepares for a shot at their maiden World Cup title, Jemimah’s words echo the spirit that defines champions resilience born from struggle, and faith forged in fire.

“We don’t play the team,” she said with a smile. “We play the moment and we win that moment.”