The night India stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup final will forever be etched in memory — not just for Jemimah Rodrigues’ record-breaking hundred, but for the tearful embrace that followed: a daughter hugging her parents in the stands after conquering the world champions.
As India chased down 339 against Australia, the stadium roared, and Jemimah dropped to her knees in disbelief. Tears streamed down her face as she looked toward the stands where her family — including her father and longtime coach, Ivan Rodrigues — stood clapping through tears.
Moments later, cameras captured what would become one of Indian sport’s most emotional frames — Jemimah’s tearful hug with her family, the kind of moment that transcends cricket.
“Pure moments of joy! Tears, smiles, and family hugs. Jemimah’s match-winning knock says it all!” read the broadcaster’s caption as the clip went viral on social media.
Faith, Family, and Redemption
For Jemimah, this was more than a century — it was redemption and renewal.
“Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible — to stand still and that God will fight for me,” she said, her voice trembling at the post-match presentation.
“I cried almost every day on this tour… I wasn’t doing well mentally and was going through anxiety. I just knew I had to show up, and God took care of everything.”
Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls will go down as one of the greatest innings in Women’s World Cup history — a blend of grace, grit, and grounded faith.
“I just stood there, and He fought for me. I want to thank Jesus, my mom, dad, and coach. It feels like a dream — it still hasn’t sunk in,” she said.
A Surprise Promotion and a Dream Fulfilled
Jemimah revealed she hadn’t even expected to bat at No. 3 that night.
“Five minutes before, they told me I’m in at three. When Harry di (Harmanpreet Kaur) came in, we said it’s all about one good partnership.”
That partnership indeed anchored India’s stunning victory — a chase that will echo through women’s cricket for years.
More Than Just a Game
From prayers whispered between deliveries to tears flowing in her parents’ arms, Jemimah’s night in Navi Mumbai was about more than cricket — it was a story of faith, family, and fulfillment.
As fireworks lit up the night sky and chants of “Je-mi! Je-mi!” filled the stadium, one thing was clear: India had found not just a hero, but a heart that beats for something far beyond the boundary