In a thrilling display at the Adelaide Oval, Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in history by crossing the 2,500-run mark in T20 Internationals during the third match against Australia on Saturday.
Rodrigues delivered a classy half-century, smashing 59 runs off 46 balls with four boundaries. She reached the milestone in her 118th T20I with a boundary off Kim Garth in the fifth over, showcasing her poise under pressure.
This achievement places her as the fourth Indian woman to reach this landmark, following captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and opener Shefali Verma.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India posted 176 for six. The innings got off to a shaky start with Shefali Verma departing for 7 at 19 for one. Rodrigues then steadied the ship with a magnificent 121-run partnership for the second wicket alongside Mandhana, who blazed 82 off 55 balls, including three sixes and eight fours.
Post Mandhana’s dismissal, Rodrigues combined with Richa Ghosh for a quick 28-run stand off 14 balls, pushing the score to 168. Ghosh fell for 18 off seven balls, featuring one six and two fours, while Rodrigues anchored with her 59.
Annabel Sutherland led Australia’s bowling with two wickets, supported by Garth and Sophie Molineux with one each.
The series has been tightly contested: India won the opener by 21 runs via DLS, Australia leveled it with a 19-run victory in the second. This decider promises high stakes as both teams vie for series glory.