Mumbai: In a rare gesture of goodwill and camaraderie, cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues handed over her Best Fielder’s Medal to teammate Amanjot Kaur after India’s historic triumph in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Awards are cherished by sportspersons as they are a reflection of their performance, particularly in big events like World cups, and it certainly takes a big heart to part with one.
This medal is awarded by the Indian team for individual excellence in the field. The medal is normally presented by the fielding coach in the dressing room when the whole team is present.
Jemimah had been outstanding in the field throughout the tournament and everybody knew she deserved the medal. However, there was something special in Amanjot’s effort during the finals.
Her brilliance began early in South Africa’s chase when she produced a direct hit to run out opener Tazmin Brits. This was just when a dangerous opening partnership was building up between Brits and Laura Wolvaardt. But Amanjot’s defining moment came in the 42nd over, when she held on to a catch that effectively sealed India’s victory and the World Cup.
South African captain Wolvaardt, who had been the backbone of the team’s chase with a fighting 101 off 98 balls, miscued a shot off Deepti Sharma’s bowling and the ball went high into the air. Amanjot initially fumbled the ball twice but, with nerves of steel, managed to clasp it on the third attempt – sending the packed D Y Patil Stadium into raptures and bringing an end to South Africa’s resistance.
It was in recognition of the magnitude of that moment that Jemimah called Amanjot forward during the team’s post-match celebration to honour her contribution.
“So girls, we talk about special moments. We talk about special occasions. A lot of times it’s a 100 or a 50 but there are some moments in the game that change lives forever,” Jemimah said as she handed over the medal to Amanjot.
“And that moment has changed our lives forever and that is today, Amanjot. First, starting with the run-out to set the tone in the chase, and then you just didn’t catch that catch – you caught the World Cup,” Jemimah added.
Amanjot admitted afterward that it was one of the most difficult catches she had ever taken in her career.
“My God, it was the toughest catch of my life,” she said.
“I have never fumbled before – either I have taken them or spilled them. There has been nothing in between, but for the first time, God gave me three chances to take it. It was a crucial catch and we knew she (Wolvaardt) would attack after completing her century and charge from one end,” Amanjot added.
Sunday’s victory was a true team effort. Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 and two wickets won her the player of the match award and Deepti pitched in with a five wicket haul. The young Shree Charani stood firm under pressure and then there was the fabulous fieldwork by Amanjot.
