'Wasn't sure if I could cross the border': Jemimah Rodrigues' hilarious reaction to arriving in Australia to play Women's Big Bash League

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared a light-hearted moment as she joined Brisbane Heat for the 2025 Women’s Big Bash League, making a witty remark about arriving in Australia just days after India’s World Cup triumph. Rodrigues, part of the Indian side that defeated Australia in the semi-final and went on to lift their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, joined her WBBL team shortly before their opening match against Melbourne Renegades at the Allan Border Field on Sunday.

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Her sensational unbeaten 127 from 134 balls played a huge role in India chasing down the 339-run target set by the Aussies.Speaking to the broadcaster ahead of the game, Rodrigues was asked about her journey and how she was received by her new teammates. With her characteristic humour, the 25-year-old said, “I was not sure if Australia would allow me to cross the border to come here after the semi-finals, but honestly, everyone’s been so warm and welcoming, and everyone is just so happy in general for the growth of women’s cricket has happened because of that win because we know it’s going to change massively not just in India but all over the world.”Watch the moment here Rodrigues’ arrival came barely a week after India’s 52-run win over South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai - a victory that secured the country’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.

However, her WBBL 2025 campaign began on a contrasting note. Batting at No. 3 for Brisbane Heat, Rodrigues managed just six runs off nine balls as her side was bowled out for 133 in 20 overs.

The Melbourne Renegades were later set a revised target of 66 from eight overs under the DLS method. Despite early setbacks, they chased down the total with three wickets down, thanks to an unbeaten 34 from Courtney Webb and a steady 16 not out from skipper Georgia Wareham. Rodrigues’ light-hearted comment has since gone viral on social media, with reactions pouring in from supporters.