Heartwarming Gesture After Epic World Cup Clash
In a stunning display of sportsmanship, Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland reached out to Indian batting star Jemimah Rodrigues with a heartfelt message following India's monumental victory over Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-finals last week. This crucial win, which marked Australia's first defeat in an ODI World Cup knockout since the 2017 World Cup, set the stage for India's eventual championship triumph against South Africa in the final.
A Message of Respect Amid Heartbreak
Rodrigues, who played a match-winning sublime knock of 127 runs against the defending champions, shared the emotional details of Sutherland's text message in a video released by their Women's Premier League franchise, Delhi Capitals. "After the game, it was heartbreaking for them to lose a semi-final," Rodrigues stated, acknowledging the significance of the loss for the Australian team.
The Indian batter expressed deep admiration for Sutherland's character, revealing the Australian star's message: "The character you've shown throughout this tournament has been outstanding. You totally deserve to own that moment tonight." Rodrigues added, "I looked at that message and thought, what a person! They had just suffered the most heartbreaking loss, yet she still reached out to a friend to encourage me, even though we were opponents at that moment. I have mad respect for her."
World-Class Talent and WPL Teammates
The respect between these two cricketers extends beyond international boundaries, as both are key players for Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League. Sutherland, who enjoyed an exceptional World Cup campaign with 19 wickets in seven matches and 117 runs, including a five-wicket haul against India earlier in the tournament, is currently ranked as the number one bowler in ICC rankings and placed 20th among all-rounders.
Rodrigues didn't hesitate to praise her future WPL teammate's abilities, stating "Sutherland's a superstar. Right now, I'd rate her among the top three all-rounders in women's cricket — maybe even the best. I don't know if she'd want me to say this, but she truly sets an example."
Both players were among the five retained by Delhi Capitals ahead of the WPL mega auction, ensuring they'll share the dressing room once again. "She's going to do special things for Australia, which is scary for us, but also for DC. I'm so glad we'll share the dressing room again," Rodrigues added, highlighting the unique dynamic of competing internationally while maintaining club camaraderie.
