In a performance that evoked powerful memories of Gautam Gambhir’s iconic 97 in the 2011 ICC Men’s World Cup final, Jemimah Rodrigues produced a knock of grit, grace, and glory to power India into the ICC Women’s World Cup final on Thursday.

Wearing the same jersey number 5 and walking in at the same No. 3 position, Jemimah anchored India’s record-breaking chase with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls — an innings that will go down as one of the finest in women’s cricket history.

A Knock That Echoed 2011

Back in 2011, Gambhir’s innings formed the backbone of India’s successful chase of 275 against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede. Fourteen years later, at another iconic Mumbai venue, Jemimah’s brilliance carried India past Australia’s daunting 338, marking the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history.

The Kolkata Knight Riders captured the sentiment perfectly, posting a split image of Gambhir and Jemimah with the caption:

“No. 3s being No. 1s in the World Cups.”

Both innings shared uncanny parallels — walking in early after quick wickets, absorbing pressure, and anchoring the chase with composure beyond years.

From Anxiety to Redemption

After the win, an emotional Jemimah admitted the journey hadn’t been easy.

“I was going through a lot of anxiety this tour. I just kept holding on to my faith, quoting the scripture — ‘Stand still, and God will fight for you,’” she said at the post-match presentation.

Her calm celebration — a tearful hug with her parents in the stands — captured the emotional heartbeat of the night.

The Record Chase

Chasing 339, India were reeling at 59/2 before Jemimah joined forces with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88). The duo rebuilt with patience and poise, stitching together a record 167-run partnership — India’s highest in a World Cup knockout game.

Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15 off 8) sealed the five-wicket win with nine balls remaining.

Earlier, Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield (119) and Ellyse Perry (77) powered their side to 338, but India’s bowlers — Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) — ensured the total stayed within reach.

A Knock for the Ages

With her unbeaten ton, Jemimah became only the second batter to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout chase after England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt. But unlike Sciver-Brunt’s ton in a losing cause in 2022, Jemimah’s innings carried India to triumph — and into folklore.

Much like Gambhir in 2011, Jemimah didn’t just win a match — she defined an era.