The emotions flowed along with the runs. Jemimah Rodrigues did not commemorate turning 100. There was no roar, no fist pump.
Only after the winning hit, in a record-breaking pursuit that sent India into their second Women’s World Cup final, did the smile and tears of delight appear.
For a little period, Jemimah remained motionless, her eyes sparkling in the floodlights. This was a moment of liberation, not just a hundred that won the game.
Since Jemimah is a devoted Christian, it was only her trust in Jesus Christ that allowed her to play one of the best innings in the history of a knockout World Cup match. The emotions and the anxiousness had likely been built up inside of her for a long time.
“Towards the end, I was just quoting a scripture from the Bible – to just stand still and that God will fight for me,” an emotionally drained out Jemimah said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Mumbai girl’s 127 in a world record quest would live on in memory, despite being widely criticized for falling short of the high standards set for her.
“I have almost cried every day through this tour. Not doing well mentally, going through anxiety. I knew I had to show up, and God took care of everything. Initially, I was just playing and I keep talking to myself,” a teary-eyed Jemimah was hardly able to express her emotions.
Given her family’s strong religious beliefs, it was not unexpected that Jemimah looked to God for support.
“I just stood there and he fought for me. A lot inside me was left, but was trying to stay calm. I want to thank Jesus, could not do this on my own.”
She praised his father and coach Ivan, who have been her inspiration, as she gave her family seated in the VIP stands a flying kiss.
“I want to thank my mom, dad and coach and every single person who believed in me. It was really hard this last month, it feels like a dream and it still has not sunk in.”
She had been emotionally and physically exhausted by the innings.
“Towards the end, I was trying to push myself but was not able to. Deepti spoke to me every ball and kept encouraging me. Richa came and lifted me up.
“When I cannot carry on, my teammates can encourage me. Cannot take credit for anything, I did not do anything (on my own). Each and every member of the crowd who chanted, cheered and believed, and for every run they were cheering, that pumped me up.”
As a matter of fact, Jemimah didn’t even celebrate her 100 until she won the game.
“Today was not about my fifty or my hundred, about making India win. Everything that happened so far, was a setup for this. Last year, I was dropped from this World Cup. I was in good form. But things kept happening back-to-back, and could not control anything,” she added.
Additionally, she was unaware five minutes before leaving that she would be batting at No. 3 on that particular day, which would likely permanently alter the trajectory of her career.
“I was taking a shower and just told them to let me know. Five minutes before entering in, I was told I was batting at three. When Harry di came, it was all about one good partnership.”
