At the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the second Women’s ODI of the ongoing series between India and Ireland saw the hosts dominate the first innings, led by a spectacular hundred from Jemimah Rodrigues. The Indians lost two wickets in short succession following a brilliant opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (73 off 54) and Pratika Rawal (67 off 61), which caused Jemimah to start slowly.
The Mumbai hitter joined Harleen Deol (89 off 84) at the crease, and following a cautious first session of the partnership, the two began to strike boundaries for exercise. Jemimah and Harleen scored an incredible 183 runs together before the former left the game just eleven runs short of a well-earned century. 12 fours were hit in Harleen’s knock, and the batter appeared to be in complete control until she was caught by Arlen Kelly in the 48th over of the innings.
However, Jemimah’s confidence was unaffected by her departure, and she reached the three-figure century mark in just ninety balls. The Mumbai native achieved another noteworthy feat earlier in her stint when she scored 1000 runs in 50-over internationals. The fact that a hundred people played the same game simply made the day even more special. After the hundred, her customised “guitar” celebration perfectly captured the sentimental significance of the moment for the child.
Watch Jemimah’s century celebration here:
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A stylish way to bring and celebrate your maiden ODI century 💙
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#TeamIndia | #INDvIRE | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @JemiRodrigues pic.twitter.com/PFDP5x9tIq— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 12, 2025
As soon as the openers took advantage of the flat Rajkot belter, the Women in Blue had a great start. Later, Harleen and Jemimah led it even more well than skipper Smriti and her opening partner Rawal had done. This led to Mandhana & Co. posting their best total in the format, 370/5, from their allocated 50 overs. They recorded 358, which was their equal previous best, in 2017 against the same opposition and in 2024 against the West Indies.
It means a lot: A Jemimah Rodrigues
Speaking about her knock during the mid-innings presentation, Rodrigues was thrilled. She also expressed her gratitude for being able to bat until the very end of the innings, saying that it had been a very long wait for her.
What a significant century this is. The wait to receive this hundred has been lengthy. I am more than happy that I was able to fulfil the function that the team assigned me at number four. Being present till the 50th over was the most crucial thing for me today. Considering that I am aware that having runs is not an issue. It’s really easy for me to get runs.
I’m happy I was able to accomplish it, though, since it’s just the feeling of batting until the end. The hundred arrived. I initially took a while to adjust to the circumstances. Knowing that I have that game, I can accelerate at any time. However, Rodrigues stated that it was crucial for him to remain there.
I kept hearing Harleen say, “Just keep playing, keep playing,” as I was doing that. I definitely benefited from her taking the initiative in between. That collaboration was absolutely essential. When she left, she said, “Do it for me today.” Any team cannot be taken lightly. We have followed the domestic games that have taken place here. 390 was in pursuit. So, we’ve discussed in the dressing room that we’ll be professional and bowl as planned and execute as we have planned, regardless of the final score,” she said.
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