Jemimah Rodrigues’ return to competitive cricket after the exhilaration of the World Cup victory was subdued, as the Indian batting star scored only six runs in Brisbane Heat’s seven-wicket defeat against
Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League on Sunday.
Rodrigues, playing her first match since India’s historic ODI World Cup win last week, appeared eager to make an impact but was dismissed after facing nine balls, edging Alice Capsey to Deandra Dottin at backward point.
Despite Rodrigues’ quiet return, her presence added significant star power to the match.
Brisbane Heat posted a video on their X handle, showing a smiling Jemimah making her way to the pitch, saying, “I am here in Brisbane, can you believe it, very excited for today, let’s go.”
Jemi! Our World Cup superstar is here! 🩵 @JemiRodrigues | #WBBL11 pic.twitter.com/cA8mIzPo3M
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) November 9, 2025
Her early dismissal came at a critical moment, as Heat managed to post only 133 all out in 20 overs.
Nadine de Klerk (40 off 38 balls) and Chinelle Henry (29 off 22) provided some resistance, but the Renegades’ spinners dominated.
Skipper Georgia Wareham (3/12) and Alice Capsey (3/22) excelled in the middle overs, while Tess Flintoff (3/30) ensured there was no late surge.
In response, the Renegades chased a revised target of 66 runs in 8 overs after a rain delay, reaching the total in 7.3 overs. Courtney Webb led with an unbeaten 34 off 22 balls, steering her team home alongside skipper Wareham (16 not out).
Brief Scores:
Brisbane Heat Women: 133 in 20 overs (Nadine de Klerk 40, Chinelle Henry 29; Wareham 3/12, Capsey 3/22, Flintoff 3/30)
Melbourne Renegades Women: 66/3 in 7.3 overs (Courtney Webb 34, Wareham 16 not out; Ginger 2/16, Hamilton 1/18).
