'There is no other option': How Jemimah Rodrigues broke India's losing pattern against Australia

(As told to Purnima Malhotra)

On the night Pratika Rawal was injured, we spoke about playing for her, focusing on positivity. We decided not to dwell on the negatives.

Regarding Australia, a few of us discussed that Australia might be more vulnerable in a semi-final than a final. We considered past history: South Africa beat them in the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final, and the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final loss. We thought maybe the draw was for the best.

On personal preparation:

I reflect after every match, writing down what I did well and what I could improve. I learned from my mistake in the round-robin game against Australia. My preparation has been ongoing for about two years in the nets, where I simulate challenging scenarios. I practice needing specific runs off a set number of balls to prepare for my finisher's role at No. 5.

Before the Australia game, I tried being overly aggressive in the nets but it took me away from my game. I reverted to my original plan: maintaining positive intent.

During Australia's innings:

While fielding, I was stressed about the target, especially when Phoebe Litchfield was attacking. I thought we might be chasing 400. I had to remind myself to focus on the present and control what I could. Our bowlers pulled things back well. Chasing 339 on that D.Y. Patil pitch and outfield, I felt they were 20-30 runs short.

Batting order change:

I was told the batting order was unchanged initially. I took a shower and used the ice bath after a long, intense fielding session. While showering, I overheard discussions. The physio, Akanksha ma'am, informed me I would bat at number 3. I didn't panic this time; I was mentally prepared for the possibility.

I thought about how I play for Mumbai, where my wicket is crucial and I've finished matches. My mindset was clear: if we lose, people forget quickly, but if I stand till the end and we win, it will be remembered forever. My simple plan was to take singles off every ball, stay positive, punish loose deliveries, and build partnerships.

When I walked in, Smriti Mandhana was out soon after, which was a jolt. Then Harmanpreet Kaur joined me.

Jemimah and Harmanpreet added 167 for the third wicket to put India on track.

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Partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur:

Harmanpreet and I have a history of partnerships against Australia. We focused on building one good partnership without doing anything extra. We communicated constantly, breaking down the chase over by over. We kept it simple: rotate strike, hit the odd boundary. We were always at par with the required run rate.

Around the 30th over, with the required rate creeping up, we decided to continue the same way for the next five overs. The plan was singles off every ball, punishing loose deliveries. The conditions at DY Patil, with dew and a fast outfield, helped.

The turning point:

I was in my 80s and getting very tired from the earlier fielding effort. Alyssa Healy dropped a catch off my sweep shot. I told Harmanpreet I was tired and needed to just rotate strike for a bit. She agreed but then played aggressively and was caught.

It felt like déjà vu—similar collapses happened in the Commonwealth Games final and the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final. Her wicket switched something on in me. I thought, "Now there is no other option."

Finishing the chase:

Deepti Sharma came in. I asked her to speak to me every ball as I was struggling. She was supportive and played an impactful innings. She even ran a risky single to get me off strike, which cost her wicket. She told me to stay and finish it.

Richa Ghosh came next. I broke the target down for her: 40 runs off 30 balls. She played aggressively, taking on Ashleigh Gardner. I started regaining my rhythm.

When Richa got out, Amanjot Kaur joined me with 36 needed off 32 balls. We have good running between the wickets. Our plan was singles, converting loose balls, and being ready for twos. We rotated strike well, hit boundaries, and ran hard.

Amanjot hit a couple of boundaries. When we were very close, I shouted to her to focus until the end. She hit the winning runs. I hadn't celebrated my 50 or 100 because the night was about winning. When we won, all my emotions came out.

During my tired phase, I looked at our hotel and asked myself what would make me happy tomorrow: a personal milestone with regret or India in the final with a smile. I chose the smile.

Jemimah stayed unbeaten until the end in the epic chase.

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Aftermath and reflections:

After the knock, my phone was inundated with calls and messages. I had about 1000 WhatsApp messages. To focus on the final, I uninstalled WhatsApp and stayed off social media until after the World Cup.

I don't compare my innings to Harmanpreet Kaur's 171* in 2017. Both were special and important because India won.

Part 1 of the interview is available here. The final part will cover the World Cup final and the celebrations.