Jemimah Rodrigues. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Jemimah Rodrigues, who is one of the most popular cricketers in the Indian women’s team, celebrates her 24th birthday on Thursday, September 5.
The right-handed batter has been a consistent performer for the Indian team across formats. Having made her international debut in 2018, Jemimah has played three Tests, 30 ODIs, and 100 T20Is. In red-ball cricket, she has an average of 58.75 after scoring three half-centuries from five innings. Meanwhile, in ODIs, she has scored 710 runs at 27.30, registering five fifties. Jemimah boasts a T20I average of 30.50 and a strike rate of 114.26, having scored 11 half-centuries.
The Mumbai-born has also plied her trade in various franchise leagues, playing for teams like Delhi Capitals, Melbourne Stars, Northern Superchargers, and Trinbago Knight Riders, among others. Here’s a look at three-lesser known facts about Jemimah.
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3. Made her Under-19 debut at 12-and-a-half years of age
Jemimah made her Under-19 debut when she was just 12-and-a-half years, during the 2012/13 season. This gives an idea of how talented she was even in her early teens. Jemimah has called her father her primary coach and his teachings have helped the talented batter to excel from a young age.
2. Second woman to score a double century in 50-over game (202* vs Saurashtra in Nov 2017)
Jemimah became the second female cricketer after her close friend Smriti Mandhana to score a double ton in a 50-over cricket contest. She achieved the monumental feat back in November 2017 against the Saurashtra team in Aurangabad. Jemimah smashed an unbeaten 202 off just 163 balls, belting 21 boundaries. In the match before this, Jemimah had amassed 178 off 142 against Gujarat in the under-19 tournament.
1. Played Hockey for Maharashtra U17 and U19 teams
Jemimah is a pure athlete and her talent isn’t limited only to cricket. She is also a skilled hockey player, having played for the Maharashtra Under-17 and Under-19 hockey teams. Jemimah has credited her hockey background for helping her enhance her power game while batting. The power she gets while hitting shots on the on-side comes from a strong bottom hand which was developed during her hockey-playing days.
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Apart from these feats, Jemimah also had the honour of receiving the prestigious Jagmohan Dalmiya Award from legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. She got this award for being chosen as the Best Domestic Junior Women’s Cricketer by the BCCI in Jharkhand in June 2018. Also, in August 2022, she got nominated for ICC Women’s player of the month award.
