From ‘Conversion’ accusations to glory: Jemimah Rodrigues scripts her own comeback
New Delhi: In one of the most remarkable moments in Indian women’s cricket, Jemimah Rodrigues and Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scripted a historic chase to take India into the finals of the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Late on Wednesday at the DY Patil Stadium, India stunned Australia, a team unbeaten in their last 16 ODIs, chasing down a mammoth 339-run target with nine balls to spare.
Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127, while Kaur scored a fighting 89, steering India to their first-ever successful 300-plus chase in women’s ODI history. ESPN Cricinfo called it a “rescue act”, and for good reason India were in early trouble before the duo rebuilt with grit and elegance.
As soon as the final runs were scored, social media erupted in celebration. The 25-year-old Rodrigues was hailed as “India’s pride”, and her name trended across platforms. But for many, the joy carried a hint of vindication, a reminder of how the same player had been vilified not long ago simply because of her faith.
Last year, Rodrigues had been targeted by Hindutva groups after the Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s oldest clubs, revoked her honorary membership. The move came after allegations that her father, Ivan Rodrigues, used the club premises for “religious activities”. Some members accused him of organising events aimed at “conversion” a claim that was later dismissed by the club’s president as politically motivated factionalism ahead of internal elections.
The vilification, however, took an ugly turn online. Hate-filled social media users called her names, spread falsehoods, and even issued violent threats. Her family chose silence through that storm.
Now, as Rodrigues stood at the centre of the DY Patil Stadium, her bat raised high and her eyes moist, that silence spoke louder than words. In her post-match interview, Rodrigues’s voice cracked as she said, “I want to thank Jesus – I could not do this on my own. I want to thank my mom, dad, coach and every single person who believed in me.”
She later revealed that she was supposed to bat at number five, but was pushed up the order to number three at the last minute, a decision that turned out to be game-changing.
“I was just playing and talking to myself through the innings,” she told ESPN Cricinfo. “But towards the end, I was quoting a scripture from the Bible because I had lost energy and was very tired. The verse says, ‘Just stand still, and God will fight for you.’ And that’s what I did. He fought for me.”
For a young woman once targeted for her faith, this moment was more than sporting glory, it was a quiet, powerful rebuke to the hate that tried to define her. Jemimah Rodrigues didn’t respond to her detractors on social media. She chose the bat instead which now tells her story better than words ever could.
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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
