The Indian women's cricket team will have a lot to prove when they take on defending T20 world champions New Zealand in a highly-anticipated three-match ODI series at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. After a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be under scrutiny as India looks to overcome their poor record against the White Ferns in ODIs. With both teams boasting an impressive lineup, this series is bound to be a thrilling encounter.
Despite a disappointing campaign for India, Harmanpreet Kaur stood out as the captain was the only player from India to make the 2024 Team of the Tournament announced by the ICC. Kaur's batting prowess shone through as she finished as India's top scorer and fourth-highest overall, with an impressive average of 150 and strike rate of 133.92. South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee also earned spots in the team for their stellar performances at the top of the order, along with England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge who notched the most runs for her team.
In a shocking move, Mumbai's prestigious Khar Gymkhana has cancelled the membership of Jemimah Rodrigues, one of India's top women cricketers. The decision was taken after complaints were raised by some members about her father, Ivan, allegedly using the club premises for "religious activities" and converting vulnerable individuals. This incident raises questions about the role of religion in sporting institutions and how they should handle such sensitive matters.
Despite a brilliant performance from Nat Sciver-Brunt, England was unable to stop West Indies from securing a six-wicket win in this ICC Women's T20 World Cup match. After initially struggling with the bat, the English team recovered with Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 57. However, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's impressive half-centuries helped the West Indies successfully chase down a target of 142 with two overs to spare. Adding to England's woes, captain Heather Knight was unable to play in the second innings due to a calf injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is deliberating on the captaincy of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, with Harmanpreet Kaur's position under scrutiny. Despite strong initiatives and facilities provided, the team has not been able to dominate world cricket, which has prompted the BCCI to consider a change in leadership. Former captain Mithali Raj also supports this decision and suggests a young skipper be appointed for the team ahead of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup in 2025.
With New Zealand's win over Pakistan, the subcontinent teams have failed to make it to the knockouts of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. This marks the third consecutive edition, and the fourth overall, where no subcontinent team has made it past the group stage. India, which has been the most successful subcontinent team in T20 World Cup history, has also suffered all four of its group-stage exits in editions hosted in Asia.
As the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 heads towards the end, India Women are in a tricky yet hopeful position. With crucial victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, they have improved their Net Run Rate (NRR), giving them a good chance to qualify for the semi-finals. However, their upcoming match against defending champions Australia is crucial, and a win with a margin of more than 61 runs would secure an automatic semi-final spot for India. But even if they win, qualification scenarios are tough and depend on the results of other matches. The most favourable outcome for India would be a win against Australia along with losses for both New Zealand and Pakistan in their remaining matches, securing their qualification based on points alone rather than NRR.
Former Indian cricketer and commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar is not pleased with the batting performances of the Indian women's cricket team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He believes that the pitches in UAE are not suitable for players like Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, who rely on boundaries to score runs. India's defeat against New Zealand has made their road to semi-final qualification very difficult and they will have to rely on other results to go their way.
India dominated Sri Lanka in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match, securing an 82-run victory. This was the largest margin of victory for India in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka's defeat also resulted in their elimination from the tournament, while India moves on to face Australia in their final group match. With only two spots available for the semi-finals, the competition is intensifying as the tournament progresses.
In a highly anticipated face-off between India and Sri Lanka in the Women's World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious with a dominant display. Leading the charge was Smriti Mandhana, who smashed her way to a well-deserved fifty. Despite Sri Lanka's efforts, India's strong batting line-up proved too much to handle, with a comfortable win for India in the end. Stay tuned for live updates as India continues its journey in the World Cup.