Jemimah Rodrigues starred with the bat in India’s comprehensive 41-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup 2022 on Saturday (October 1).

 Asked to bat first, India posted 150/6 in their allotted 20 overs on the back of Rodrigues’ 76 off 53 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six.

Speaking after the match, the 22-year-old credited her match-winning knock to the preparation she had on a similar slow and low-bounce track in Bengaluru ahead of the T20 tournament.

“The wicket was tricky, it kept on the lower side, initially it was not turning, but then it turned. But I had prepared well for this, even in Bangalore I asked for slower and turning wickets. That preparation really helped me here,” Rodrigues said after the match.

“I would like to thank Mumbai — the heat is the same here as it is where I stay back in Mumbai.”

India’s Asia Cup 2022 opener was also Jemimah’s comeback match after a hand injury and she was eager to play after not touching the bat for six weeks.

“It was tough not doing the thing I love and seeing everyone else do it. But everyone helped me, my parents, coaches and my trainers, I wanted to thank them. Nothing like coming back and playing for India,” said Rodrigues, who earned the Player of the Match award.

“We will take the win and take the positives from this win. The bowlers did really well — everyone and this is what we are as a team. This is the confidence we are going to build on. The talk before the tournament was ‘we have set the standard and we want to raise that further’.”

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also lauded Rodrigues for her knock in her comeback game.

“Jemi (Jemimah) played really well, that’s what we were expecting from her. It was not easy after coming back from injury, but we backed her during her tough times and she worked hard in the NCA as well.”

Chasing 151, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 109 in 18.2 overs. Deepti Sharma (2-15), Pooja Vastrakar (2-12) and Dayalan Hemalatha (3-15) starred with the ball for India.

(With PTI inputs)