Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
Indian Women Cricket Team

Being so close to her first World Cup trophy as a skipper, Mithali Raj and team stumbled at the final step, losing to England by just 9 runs. This is the second time Indian Women have finished as runner-ups in a World Cup, having lost in the final to Australia in 2005 as well.

The match started with England winning the toss and setting India to bowl first. Openers Lauren Winfield(24 off 35) and Tammy Beaumont(23 off 37) were close to a 50 run partnership till Rajeshwari Gayakwad gave India a breakthrough. Sarah Taylor(45 off 62) and  Natalie Sciver(51 off 68) gave the main contribution to England’s score of 228. Jhuln Goswami, probably playing her last match of ICC Women’s World Cup picked up 3 wickets, Poonam Yadav bagged two and Rajeshwari Gayakwad got 1 wicket.

Chasing a target of 229 runs, India lost an early wicket of Smriti Mandhana(0 off 4). Though opener Poonam Raut(86 off 115) played a good knock and in form Harmanpreet Kaur(51 off 80) also made a half century, it was not enough to lead team India to victory. India got all out on 219, just 9 runs before their victory. Anya Shrubsole proved to be the lead wicket taker from the English side bagging 6 wickets while Alex Hartley picked 2 wickets.

Though India may have lost in the end, they fought well and this World cup has changed the face of Indian Women cricket in India forever.

By Naman