Australian cricketer Beth Mooney displayed her signature humour following India’s stunning victory over Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final, taking a playful jab in response to Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues’ light-hearted remark.
Rodrigues, who had smashed an unbeaten 127 to guide India into the final, joked upon her arrival in Australia for the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) that she “wasn’t sure if Australia would allow me to cross the border after the semi-final.”
Mooney seized the opportunity to return the banter during a Perth Scorchers match against the Sydney Sixers, stating with a laugh: “We heard Jemi say she was worried about getting into the country after beating us, but honestly, I thought we wouldn’t be allowed back in for losing. Luckily, immigration let me through!”
India’s pursuit of 338 runs in the semi-final proved unforgettable. After an early wicket in the second over, Smriti Mandhana and Rodrigues steadied the innings with a 46-run partnership. The defining moment came when Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur forged an astonishing 167-run partnership, clinching India’s place in the final.
Rodrigues’ innings was remarkable, particularly given her rocky start in the tournament, which included two ducks and being dropped for the England match. Her stellar performance reaffirmed her status as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batters.
Currently representing Brisbane Heat in the WBBL, Rodrigues reflected on women’s cricket growth: “I’m thrilled to see how far the women’s game has come. It’s transforming cricket, not just in India but globally.”
Mooney’s humorous response and Rodrigues’ inspirational return highlight both the camaraderie and competitive spirit flourishing in women’s cricket, signalling its rising global popularity. The banter also offered fans a delightful glimpse into the personalities off the pitch, reminding supporters that sport thrives on humour as well as heroics.