WBBL|11 : Beth Mooney’s clever ‘immigration’ reply to Jemimah Rodrigues’s semi-final joke about Australia

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The atmosphere of fierce international competition often quickly gives way to warm camaraderie among players in franchise leagues, and this was perfectly encapsulated during a recent Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) fixture.

Weeks after India sensationally dethroned seven-time champions Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final, the Australian and Indian stars reunited on the pitch in a moment of pure sporting humour. The exchange, which instantly went viral, saw Perth Scorchers star Beth Mooney deliver a witty counter to Jemimah Rodrigues’ lighthearted concern about re-entering the country, highlighting the deep respect and friendship shared between competitors despite the high-stakes outcome of the recent global tournament.

India’s star batter Rodrigues, who is currently playing in the WBBL for the Brisbane Heat, was the source of the good-natured banter. Following India’s dramatic and historic semi-final victory over Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup, a win that knocked the hosts out and propelled India to the final, which they eventually won,

Rodrigues made a humorous comment. She lightheartedly joked that she “wasn’t sure Australia would allow her into the country” to participate in the WBBL season, poking fun at her own crucial role in the host nation’s shocking elimination from the tournament. Her comment set the stage for a witty reply from one of her Australian counterparts, showcasing the friendly relationship players share off the international stage.

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Scorchers Women’s star Beth Mooney delivered the perfect, witty response that left fans and commentators in splits. While on the broadcast during the WBBL clash between the Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers, Mooney was asked about Rodrigues’ joke.

Showing her trademark humor and grace, Mooney laughed and turned the joke back on herself and the Australian team. She said, “We heard Jemi say earlier that she was worried they weren’t going to let her in the country because they beat us. But I actually thought they weren’t going to let us back in for losing. Thankfully, immigration let me in.”

Her quick-witted comment, which drew laughter from the commentary box and the crowd, was praised by fans for highlighting the good-spirited camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between the international cricketers, even after such a fierce and high-stakes World Cup showdown.

Beth Mooney's response when hearing what Jemimah Rodrigues said about the World Cup semi final:

🗣️ "We heard Jemi say earlier that she was worried they weren't going to let her in the country because they beat us, but I actually thought they weren't going to let us back in for… https://t.co/MjFYoJVwiQ

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 9, 2025

Also READ: WBBL|11: TV Channels, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK & other countries

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.