As India Celebrated a Crucial Win, Jemimah Rodrigues’ Touching Gesture Toward Amanjot Kaur Became the Highlight of the Night

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In a heartwarming post-match moment, Jemimah Rodrigues gave away her best fielding medal to Amanjot Kaur for her stunning catch to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt. Jemimah also called it “a World Cup-winning moment” after India’s historic triumph in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

The Turning Point

Indian all-rounder Amanjot was brilliant in the field since the beginning of the chase. She produced a direct hit to run out opener Tazmin Brits, breaking a dangerous opening partnership with Laura Wolvaardt. But the defining moment came in the 42nd over, when she held on to a catch that effectively sealed India’s victory and the World Cup.

An excellent effort from Amanjot Kaur has Laura Wolvaardt walking back to the dugout after anchoring the chase 🔥

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Wolvaardt, who had been the backbone of South Africa’s chase, miscued a shot off Deepti Sharma's bowling, and the ball went high into the air. Amanjot initially fumbled the ball twice but, with nerves of steel, managed to clasp it on the third attempt. The South African skipper scored a fighting knock of 101 in 98 balls.

The Heartfelt Gesture

During a post-match celebration, Jemimah Rodrigues handed over her Best Fielder’s Medal to teammate Amanjot Kaur in a viral video, earning praise for its emotion and sportsmanship.

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The medal is usually awarded by the team management for individual excellence in the field.

Jemimah recognized Amanjot’s pivotal contributions that changed the course of the final and said, “So, girls, we talk about special moments. We talk about special occasions. A lot of times it’s a 100 or a 50, but there are some moments in the game that change lives forever. And that moment has changed our lives forever, and that is today, Amanjot. First starting with the run out to set the tone in the chase, and then you just didn’t catch that catch, you caught the World Cup,” while handing over the best fielder’s medal.

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'Toughest Catch Of My Life'

Talking about the catch, Amanjot said, “My god, it was the toughest catch of my life. I have never fumbled before — either I have taken them or spilled them. There has been nothing in between, but for the first time god gave me three chances (to take it). It was a crucial catch, and we knew she would attack after completing her century and charge from one end.”

The team erupted in cheers as Amanjot accepted the medal.

In the final match, Shafali Verma, the 21-year-old, who wasn’t even in the reserves till last week, created memories of a lifetime by scoring 87 in India’s 298 for 7 and then grabbed a couple of crucial wickets to restrict the Proteas Women to 246.

Experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma (5/39) and young Shree Charani (1/48) also did their bit under extreme pressure to bring the most memorable day for women’s cricket in the country.

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BCCI announced a Rs. 51 crore reward for India’s women’s cricket team after their first-ever ODI World Cup win, marking a milestone for women’s cricket.