India’s Women just fell short of the final hurdle in the World Cup and put up a stirring performance throughout. The team played some fantastic cricket throughout the tournament and provided us with some memorable moments.
Here are some of the top moments in this World Cup for India:
Starting in style:
Much like how Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli dictated terms for the Indian top-order in the Champions League, the women did the same in the first match versus England. Batting first, India reached a score of 281 for the loss of just 3 wickets thanks to some belligerent batting.
Punam Raut scored 86 and Smrithi Mandhana scored 72 as India powered their way ahead. The score was aided by an economical 71 from Captain Mithali Raj. The perfect start to the cup.
Running out opponents:
In what is one of the more improved aspects of the game, India has managed to keep opponents on the back foot thanks to their fielding. In the first game alone, they effected four run outs and continued the trend throughout the tournament.
It has been heartening to see the way the Indian fielders have approached the game. Not afraid of throwing their bodies around, India showed that they belong at the top.
Smrithi Mandhana’s century:
Riding off a superb start from the first game, Mandhana took it to the next level with some classy batting whilst chasing a low target. The West Indians managed only 183 in their 50 overs thanks to some remarkable bowling.
Mandhana came out with a set plan and executed it perfectly. Despite losing her partner early on, she played her natural game and scored 106* as India cruised to a victory.
Ekta Bisht against Pakistan:
Playing Pakistan in a World Cup is sure to stir nerves no matter what. India played Pakistan in their group encounter, in a highly tense match. They managed only 169 in 50 overs as Pakistan ripped through the Indian batting line-up.
India came out all guns blazing in the second innings and managed to apply enough pressure on Pakistan thanks to some incredible bowling. Ekta Bisht ran through their batters by getting 5 wickets and bowling them out for just 74 runs.
Captain stepping up with Gayakwad:
Against New Zealand, India needed to win big in order to qualify for the knockouts. Batting first, India immediately gained the upper hand due to Captain Mithali Raj. She hit a beautiful 109 runs to help India post a big target of 265.
Bowling in the second innings, India then turned to Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s magic to bowl them out for just 79. She took 5 wickets and helped us finish the game off in a canter.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s hurricane:
The Punjabi girl was known to be a big hitter but showed her class in the semi-finals and captured the hearts of the nation. Kaur stepped up and blasted 171 off just 115 balls as India destroyed Australia and put up a target of 281.
The Aussies were no match to Jhulan Goswami and the rest of the Indian bowling line-up and gave in at just 245.
