India vs Pakistan: Jemimah Rodrigues’ Spirit Of Sportsmanship Act Goes Viral Amid Handshake Snub Controversy
India vs Pakistan: Jemimah Rodrigues earned praise for upholding the spirit of the game in the women’s World Cup game against Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium.
India-Pakistan ties are at an all-time low, and the effects of sour relations are clearly visible on the cricket field. During the recently concluded Asia Cup, India snubbed handshakes with Pakistan players as a protest against the Pahalgam attack, and the Pakistan players retaliated with provocative gestures.
All eyes were on the women’s team and how they’d react to the recent developments, and as expected, the captains didn’t shake hands at the toss. Amid the deteriorating ties, Jemimah Rodrigues won hearts as she didn’t compromise the spirit of sportsmanship despite the tense relations with Pakistan.
🚨 TOSS BLUNDER 🚨
Fatima Sana said 'tails', but it was a 'Head' – Still Pakistan won the toss 😆
– What's your take 🤔 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/Cde7sFP5VE
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) October 5, 2025
During the 34th over, Deepti Sharma hit the ball on the on side and sat off for a quick run. The fielder threw the ball towards the wicketkeeper, but the ball hit Rodrigues’ bat and went far off the fielder. There was a chance for India to take an extra run or two, but Rodrigues stood her ground and refused the run.
India vs Pakistan: Toss Controversy Rocks India-Pakistan Match
Meanwhile, a huge controversy erupted during the toss after Pakistan captain Fatima Sana was asked to choose despite making the wrong call. Fatima Sana clearly called for “tails,” but the on-field umpire, Mel Jones, and the match referee mistakenly heard “heads.” The coin itself landed with the head side up, and Sana was asked to decide to bat or bowl, after which she decided to bowl first.
India vs Pakistan: Lucky Day For Jemimah
Meanwhile, Jemimah survived two close calls early in the innings. She was out on a no-ball and later survived a close run-out chance. She, however, couldn’t make the most of the opportunity and was dismissed LBW for 28, leaving India in slight trouble at 159-5.
