The route to the historic first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup finals have been complex for the Women In Blue. They went past the group stage quite easily, but then came the controversial victory in the semi-finals. Not a single ball was bowled, even the toss couldn’t be held in midst of a continuous rain. The decision to award the win to India due to Group Stage technicalities didn’t sit well with the cricketing community, with many comparing the decision to the infamous Boundary rule and umpire mishap combination of 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final.
India faces the Aussies at the Finals. While for the Indian girls, it’s an exciting adventure of a first grasp at history, it’s nearly routine for the Aussies by now, as this makes it their sixth final at the pinnacle of Women’s cricket. India, under the leadership of star batter Harmanpreet Kaur, has already defeated Australia in the Group Stage, but they are always dangerous as an opponent.
Indian experiences in Men’s cricket brings both hope and fear to the minds of the average cricket fan. In 2003, a high-flying Team India under the able leadership of current BCCI Prez Sourav Ganguly succumbed to the ‘Invincible’ team of Australia. Hope comes from the example Indian men set in their first ever ICC Cricket World Cup finals in 1983. The Kapil Dev led team overcame all odds to defeat a nearly undefeatable West Indies side captained by Clive Lloyd, immediately presenting India as cricket’s newest powerhouse.
This Thursday evening, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, whose celebration after the India’s win of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 recently won a Laureus Award, gave his advice to the women. “Go out and give your best. And that is what my message to them is, don’t take any pressure, though it is easier said than done,” the Master Blaster said.
Tendulkar emphasized how the women in the National Team have been inspiring countless women in India, where women still struggle to break out the shell of patriarchy. “I want to tell them that they just stay together. You don’t need to spend time with the outside world. If you are in company with each other and keep talking positive things, because good things have happened to our team. I have been following their performances and they have inspired so many youngsters.”
Read why Sourav Ganguly just prevented Ravindra Jadeja from playing in Ranji trophy finals!
