Follow UsOn October 19 (Sunday), one day before Diwali, India dropped a bombshell, dropping one of their experienced batters, Jemimah Rodrigues, from their playing XI against England. It opened a Pandora's box, as many quickly hopped into the debate, questioning the management’s decision.
Four days later, the 25-year-old responded in a fashion best known, smashing India’s quickest half-century of the campaign, off 38 deliveries against New Zealand on October 23 (Thursday). The management surprised everyone, promoting the young batter to the No.3 position, and she took up that responsibility in fine style.
Jemimah took on Suzie Bates quite aggressively, with a couple of boundaries to kick off her innings. The youngster then had a similar approach against Jess Kerr, taking ten runs off four balls. The 25-year-old then struck her sister, Melie Kerr, for 17 off 14 balls before taking a particular liking to Eden Carson’s off-spin, smashing 17 off just nine balls.
Fastest half-century for India in 2025 Women's World Cup
38 - Jemimah Rodrigues vs NZ, DY Patil Stadium*
46 - Smriti Mandhana vs AUS, Vishakapatnam
50 - Deepti Sharma vs SL, Guwahati
Just after bringing up her half-century, the Indian No.3 was seen celebrating her innings, raising her bat towards the dressing room. It was almost like a way to say ‘I’m back’, and so will the team’s hopes of making it to the semi-final.
At the time of writing this report, Jemimah raced herself to 69 off 51 balls, with ten boundaries, striking at 135.29.