Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared a warm moment with Pakistan all-rounder Fatima Sana following the conclusion of the Women’s Hundred clash between Southern Brave and Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday. A video of the two players embracing after the match has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention from cricket fans.
The interaction came during the customary post-match handshake between players from both teams. While political tensions have often influenced India-Pakistan cricketing interactions in recent times, Rodrigues and Fatima exchanged a brief hug after the contest, creating one of the talking points of the evening.
On the field, Rodrigues played a valuable cameo to help Southern Brave maintain their unbeaten run in The Hundred 2026. The India star remained unbeaten on 28 off just 18 deliveries, providing the finishing flourish as Southern Brave posted 140/3 from their 100 balls. Earlier, Lizelle Lee scored 43, while Maia Bouchier added 45 to lay a solid foundation.
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Fatima, representing Birmingham Phoenix, endured a difficult outing with the ball, conceding 33 runs from her 15-ball spell without taking a wicket. Alana King and Alice Capsey picked up one wicket apiece for Phoenix.
Everyone debating if Fatima Sana and jemimah Rodrigues would shake hands and they straight up HUGGED?!😭😭🙏
Keep politics out of sports FOREVER. pic.twitter.com/XCE2lswGlg
— A. (@anhnjo) July 30, 2026
Chasing 141, Birmingham Phoenix started brightly through Tammy Beaumont and Davina Perrin, who stitched together a 73-run opening partnership. Perrin top-scored with an impressive 52 off 43 balls, while Beaumont contributed 22 before both batters were dismissed at crucial stages.
Southern Brave’s bowlers responded brilliantly after the strong start. Sarah Glenn removed Perrin before Lauren Bell dismissed Capsey to shift the momentum. Sophie Molineux then struck twice late in the innings as Phoenix finished on 116/5, falling 24 runs short of the target. Ellyse Perry remained unbeaten on 16, while Fatima Sana finished not out on five as Southern Brave registered their fourth consecutive victory of the season.
