Jemimah Rodrigues Wants To Win World Cup ‘For All Those People Who Have Brought Women’s Cricket To Where It Is’ | Cricket News

ICC Womens World Cup 2025: India beat Pakistan by 88 runs (AP)

Jemimah Rodrigues revealed that the Indian women’s cricket team’s motivation to win the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is for the legends who paved the way for the current generation.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team, led started their campaign impressively, securing consecutive victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, remaining unbeaten in the tournament to sit atop the points table with four points and an impressive net run rate.

Win It For Them…

“Yeah, I mean, first it was Mithu di (Mithali Raj) and Julhu di (Jhulan Goswami). I remember when I entered the team, they were like the senior-most, just to see that transition now, where Harmanpreet was still way more senior. But Harry di (Harmanpreet) and Smriti working together as captain, vice captain, getting this team together. And we have created such an environment that everyone will go out there and give their lives out. We want to do it also for them, not just for Smriti and Harry di, but for Mithu di, for Jhulu di, for Neetu David ma’am, for all those people who have brought women’s cricket to where it is today. We want to win it for them,” Rodrigues was quoted as saying to Star Sports.

India got emphatic victory on Sunday, defeating Pakistan by 88 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, extending their perfect 12-0 record against their arch-rivals in women’s ODIs.

After a disappointing golden duck in the opening game against Sri Lanka, Jemimah bounced back strongly with a composed and crucial 32 off 37 balls against Pakistan. Her innings, which included five elegant boundaries, played a pivotal role in stabilising India’s batting after early wickets. She formed key partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur (19 off 34) and Harleen Deol (46 off 65), setting the foundation for a competitive total.

Later in the innings, Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks with a quickfire 35 off 20 balls, helping India post 247 runs in their 50 overs. Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum despite a valiant effort from Sidra Amin, who top-scored with 81 off 106 balls. India’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout, with Kranti Gaud (3/20) delivering a superb spell that earned her the Player of the Match award. Deepti Sharma also impressed, claiming 3/45 in nine overs to dismantle Pakistan’s middle order.

Team India will shift focus to their next challenge, a crucial clash against South Africa on October 9 in Visakhapatnam.