The stunning back to back wins in the Group stage, followed by an automatic qualification to the final of the T20 world cup for the first time. The Indian women’s cricket team had all the hopes and the backing of a billion supporters to bring home the trophy for the first time, but everything fell apart in Melbourne as the defending champions Australia overpowered Harmanpreet Kaur and the squad in both batting and bowling. After the dream run that ended in tears, the Indian women receive consolation and encouragement for their amazing overall performance and gifting the nation some of the best performance in Australia in the past few weeks.
While India defeated the same team in the inaugural match of the tournament, the Aussies were flawless in both innings, racking up an astounding total of 184 and them wiping out the Indian batting order before they could make it 100 runs. Following the defeat, Twitter flooded in to uplift the morale of the Women in Blue cricketers, who nonetheless performed amazing throughout the world cup.
Iconic Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar felicitated the world cup winners, but also praised the Indian women, stating that the growing young team has a solid future.
Congratulations to Australia for winning the @T20WorldCup. It was a tough day for #TeamIndia. Our team is young and will grow into a solid unit. You have inspired many across the globe. We are proud of you. Keep working hard and never lose hope. It will happen one day.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/RrH1dLqkBW
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 8, 2020
West Indies hall of fame Sir Vivian Richards motivated the Indian team that in future they will clinch the title that they came so close in this world cup.
Never be let down. You have been amazing throughout and you'll shall have the trophy at your hand one day. Keep believing! @BCCIWomen https://t.co/q7FE5gwhDF
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) March 8, 2020
Men’s team captain Virat Kohli tweeted for an optimistic future for the ladies.
Proud of all the efforts put in by the Indian Women's Cricket Team throughout their #T20WorldCup campaign. I'm confident that you girls will bounce back stronger than ever. 🙌 @BCCIWomen
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 8, 2020
Former women’s team skipper Mithali Raj forwarded her felitications to the squad for their tremendous spell across the tournament, and vouched for the betterment of women’s cricket in future.
Gutted by the result today . Nonetheless the girls have had a wonderful #T20WorldCup campaign . I congratulate the T20 captain @ImHarmanpreet and the girls. Well done . Request everyone to continue supporting women’s cricket . Only great things are in store.
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) March 8, 2020
Former women’s team stalwart Jhulan Goswami cheered the ladies for their amazing performance and a promising future.
Really proud of the team for entertaining us and the way they played in the entire tournament. This #TeamIndia has a bright future and they will certainly come back stronger. 🇮🇳👍🏼
Keep believing!@BCCIWomen @BCCI @T20WorldCup @ICC
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) March 8, 2020
Former Team India icon Gautam Gambhir had the perfect morale boost for the tournament runners up.
Till a few years ago, nobody could have imagined that a billion eyes would be glued to Women’s Cricket World Cup
Cups will come & go, but today is a victory for each & every INDIAN GIRL who dared to defy odds & societal barriers! #SheInspiresUs 🇮🇳
Congrats to Australia!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 8, 2020
Cricket commentator and former international player Aakash Chopra pointed out that although both finalists each lost only one game in the world cup, it wast the Aussie’s day in the end.
India lost only one game in the tournament. So did Australia. Both teams lost to each other. India beat Aus in the tournament opener. Australia beat India in the finals. Such is life…. #WT20WC #AusvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 8, 2020
Former Men in Blue opener Virender Sehwag revered the ladies for having a stunning world cup, and wished for a better future, congratulating the winners at the end.
Our girls gave their everything, just had one bad day but it was so wonderful to see the way in which they played barring today .Wishing them better luck next time. Congratulations to Australia on winning the #T20WorldCup
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 8, 2020
Mohammad Kaif, who was a part of the legendary Indian squad that suffered a loss against an invincible Australian team in the 2003 World Cup final, sympathised with the squad for having experienced the same feeling. However, the former batsman eulogised India for their amazing campaign in the tournament.
I know how tough it is to be so close to that World Cup & not win it. But chin up, girls! It’s not about the result, but about the generation you’ve inspired. You had a campaign you can be very proud of!
Also congratulations Australia, a much deserved win.#INDvsAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5ekr5Y9yvS— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 8, 2020
Snehal Pradhan, sports journalist and former Women in Blue international, lamented that the Aussies can easily overpower their opposition even when not in peak performance.
That's the trouble with playing Australia. You have to be at your best to beat them. They don't have to be at their best to beat you. #T20WorldCupFinal
— Snehal Pradhan (@SnehalPradhan) March 8, 2020
Next was VVS Laxman, the retired Indian run machine who expressed his joy on watching the women perform throughout the tournament.
Congratulations @AusWomenCricket on winning the #T20WorldCup To the @BCCIWomen team,we all are very proud of your achievement. Really enjoyed the way you all played throughout the tournament. Good luck for your future matches.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 8, 2020
Superstar Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah had similar reactions, and commended the ladies for providing some of the most memorable moments the supporters enjoyed watching them perform.
It was a delight watching you through your campaign at the #WT20WC and the many moments of brilliance you’ve given us. We are all immensely proud of what you’ve been able to achieve. Upwards and onwards, @BCCIWomen. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) March 8, 2020
Women’s CricZone analyst and cricketer Ananya Upendran stated that the Aussies were saving their peak performance for the final stage, overpowering their opposition. She also pointed out the swashbuckling knock from Alyssa Healy, the player of the match who scored 75-off-39.
Dominant from Australia! The world has become accustomed to such performances. They saved their best for the final. Thoroughly outplayed India. Healy's onslaught meant India were never really in the game.#T20WorldCup
— Ananya Upendran (@a_upendran11) March 8, 2020
Team India opener Mayank Agarwal morned the loss, but he also sprinkled some joy as he expects the Women’s world cup to inspire more young girls to start playing cricket.
This was heartbreaking. Well played @BCCIWomen. Sometimes, it's just not your day! Congratulations @AusWomenCricket. May this World Cup inspire many more to take up the sport! 🙌🏼 #INDvAUS #T20WorldCup
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) March 8, 2020
Senior cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle pointed out that despite Smriti Mandhana or the captain Kaur’s lacklustre form in the tournament, India’s road to the final was mesmerising. He also added that Australia’s game was top notch today compared to the rest of the tournament.
I actually believe India did really well to get to the final without a major contribution from either Mandhana or Harmanpreet. For India to win, those two needed to have big tournaments. Hence my opinion that there is enough here to be optimistic about.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 8, 2020
Just brilliant to see how Australia raised their game on the big day. They have played at a different level today whether with bat or ball or, so visibly, in the field! I believe the Big Bash has played a big part and that is why I believe a woman's IPL is a necessity.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 8, 2020
Congratulating the hosts for securing their fifth T20 World Cup title, Bhogle congratulated India for having top of the line performance until the final match.
Australia are deserving winners of the #ICCT20WorldCup. And they produced a spectacle at the MCG. 86k here. It has been magnificent for the women's game.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 8, 2020
And India, well played to get to the final. It was an excellent campaign till today. Look forward to more
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 8, 2020
Badminton Association of India president Himanta Biswa Sarma felicitated the team.
Dear #TeamIndia
You remain our champion. You played remarkably well in the #T20WorldCup On #InternationalWomensDay you have won many million more hearts.
We are proud of you. Keep it up.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/EsePQ1FI65
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 8, 2020
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