Beth Mooney hilariously responds to Jemimah Rodrigues’ semifinal banter during WBBL 2025

Beth Mooney, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter, offered a hilarious reply to Jemimah Rodrigues’ World Cup semifinal joke, during the first weekend of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in 2025. The fun banter between the two star players, added some enjoyable flavour to the WBBL season, after India’s famous victory against Australia in the semifinal of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

In the second semifinal of the World Cup last month, Rodrigues played a fantastic innings of 127 not out, leading India to an improbable chase of 339 runs, and eliminating the defending champion Australia from the tournament. Before the WBBL season opener in Brisbane, Rodrigues, who is now playing for Brisbane Heat, made a joke that she was worried about whether Australian authorities will let her in to the country based on her semifinal innings.

The jokes quickly circulated, amusing fans and even players. Later that day, once Mooney turned up to play for the Perth Scorchers at the WACA, she was asked about Jemimah's humorous comments during a live interview. The Australian star couldn't resist putting her own little spin on her story with a one-liner – and the room erupted with laughter.

“Luckily, immigration let me in,” Mooney said.

In response to Jemimah Rodrigues’ lighthearted suggestion that she wasn't going to be allowed into the country because the Indian team had defeated Australia, Mooney joked that it was actually Rodrigues who shouldn't worry, but rather the Australian team after being eliminated from the World Cup. "We heard Jemi say earlier that she was worried they weren’t going to let her into the country because they beat us, but I actually thought they weren’t going to let us back in for losing the World Cup. Luckily for me, immigration let me in,” Mooney said on the microphone.

This exchange was a reminder that, despite being fierce competitors on the field, Indian and Australian cricketers share a great deal of friendly respect and camaraderie. There was a lot to celebrate as the WBBL 2025 season got under way in Brisbane. Cricket fans were not just celebrating an exciting match, but were also celebrating the spirit of friendly sport and humor, which Jemimah Rodrigues and Beth Mooney both continue to bring to the game.