India Make History: Powered by a ‘Jem’

Photo by Debjoy Biswas/Pixel Sports When India took the field in Navi Mumbai in pursuit of a world record target of 339 against the Seven-time champions as well as the defending champions, all eyes were set on Smriti, Harmanpreet and Richa. But for ardent followers of the women’s game, this Jemimah Magic would not come as a surprise. Her agility on the field is a testament to her agile mind that works like a computer in a run chase. Jemimah lacks physicality and strength. But she more than makes up for it with her wristy maneuvering of the field.

India has struggled historically in crunch situations. No one can forget the 2017 World Cup final. The three defeats in a row in the ongoing tournament were all results of choking from relatively comfortable situations. But this chase was never supposed to be comfortable. A mammoth total, that too in the World Cup Semis. This required a lot of composure and level-headed decision making throughout the innings. When Jemimah walked in at no. 3 instead of Amanjyot Kaur, the usual no. 3 thus far in the tournament, it came as a surprise to the onlookers undoubtedly. But as the innings progressed, her partnership with Harmanpreet started looking ominous. But Harmanpreet faltered again before the finish line. Deepti and Richa chipped in with vital cameos. But they departed with still more than 20 to get.

The events were unfolding following an all too familiar script. Would it be another ‘so-close-yet-so-far’ story? The calm demeanor of Jemimah told a different story. She hardly acknowledged the reaching of a 100 in the world cup semi final. Her eyes were fixed. She kept talking to herself. All hopes were fixed on this diminutive Indian. As she kept rotating the strike and placing the ball in the gap intermittently for boundaries, Cricket fans were reminded of legendary chases in the 2011 World Cup.

As Amanjyot struck the final boundary, Jemimah sunk to her knees- soaked in sweat and tears. These are all too familiar visuals for Indian Cricket. Who can forget Yuvraj Singh’s roar after his final hit in the 2011 Quarter Final. But the men’s game has had these iconic visuals etched in history for more than 50 years now. Legendary matches like the Natwest final, World cup finals and Legendary knocks like the Laxman 281, Tendulkar 98 vs Pakistan and Kohli exploits while chasing shape the imagination of a Cricket crazy country like India. The women’s game has had far too less moments like this so far. But the visuals and emotions of the final 3 overs will remained etched in the imagination of every Indian Cricket fan.

Smriti, Shefali, Harmanpreet, Deepti, Richa and Amanjyot- all of them kicked in with vital contributions. But there was only one anchor for this ship today that has been rather inconsistent in the tournament. Jemimah Rodrigues- The first of her name. She kept thanking Jesus for guiding her through the entire game in her post match reaction. She has put India on the footsteps of the Seventh Heaven with this innings. Only one question remains to be answered now. Can the team turn up this one last time and make themselves immortal? Same City, Same Stage- The Nation awaits a same outcome.