By Retired Cricket Veteran Ashok Bambi
Lucknow: The Indian women’s cricket team created history by winning the World Cup for the first time — a remarkable achievement, especially considering that at one stage, they were on the brink of elimination. After losing narrowly to Australia and England in the league stage and suffering a comfortable defeat against South Africa, the Indian team staged an extraordinary comeback when it mattered most.
Facing a must-win game against New Zealand to stay alive in the tournament, the Indian girls rose to the occasion and secured their place in the semifinals.
The semifinal clash against Australia — the tournament favourites — was a true test of character. Earlier, Australia had chased down India’s total of 330 in the league stage, but this time the story was different. Chasing a formidable target of 338, India recovered from early setbacks as both openers fell cheaply. Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with determination and flair. Rodrigues, playing in place of Rawat, struck a timely century, while Harmanpreet’s composed 89 ensured India’s passage to the final.
The final against South Africa was equally challenging. The Proteas had beaten India in the league stage and demolished England by 125 runs in the semifinals. The Patil Stadium was packed to capacity as fans came out in large numbers to support the Indian women. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a flying start, adding 100 runs in just 17 overs. Mandhana scored a fluent 45, while Verma dazzled with a stroke-filled 87 off 78 balls. Deepti Sharma added a valuable half-century (58 off 58), and Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 34 from 24 balls helped India post a challenging total of 298.
Chasing 298, South Africa crumbled under pressure despite a fine century from Laura Wolvaardt. None of the other batters could provide resistance, and India sealed a famous 52-run victory. Deepti Sharma, with her clever flight and control, took five crucial wickets and was rightly adjudged the Best Women Cricketer of the Tournament.
The triumph has immense significance for India, especially for aspiring young girls across the country. This victory is expected to inspire a new generation of female cricketers and make the sport even more popular among women.
The entire nation rejoiced as the Indian women lifted the World Cup, marking a golden chapter in the history of Indian cricket.
— The writer, a former Ranji and Central Zone cricketer, is now a commentator and cricket analyst.
