Cricket is arguably the most loved sport in India. Cricket tournaments are closely followed and fans are known for their craze for the game. However, it is the men’s cricket which creates headlines, fills up stadiums and ignites feverish enthusiasm. Women’s cricket has always had to play second fiddle.
Not anymore. The historic first-ever win of the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup by India’s women cricketers has turned the spotlight on the neglected sport. Under the leadership of Shafali Verma, India clinched an impressive win against England in the historic final on Sunday, January 29.
A Landmark Day in Indian Cricket
The Indian bowlers dominated the England team and restricted the latter to a meagre total of 68 runs. Titas Sadhu and Archana Devi made key early strikes, and the rest of the bowlers continued to make inroads as England’s batting line-up faltered.
India Despite losing two early wickets in the chase of a modest 69, India emerged victorious with a strong partnership between G Trisha and Soumya Tiwari.
With this milestone, India has cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in women’s cricket.
Remarkable Performances by Indian Cricketers
- Titas Sadhu spearheaded the Indian bowling attack and picked up two wickets for just six runs in her four overs. She was crowned player of the match for a brilliant bowling effort. Elated by the win and the recognition, Titas Sadhu remarked, “It’s surreal. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. We have played two matches, watched all the games here, and had a pretty good idea of where to bowl. We had a plan in our minds, and thankfully we executed what we planned. The spinners backed up well. I want to thank everyone who practised with me and supported me so far. With all my heart, I want to thank them (fans and supporters back home).”
- Shweta Sehrawat, the right-hand opening batsman, made a huge impact and led the team’s batting attack. Her impeccable performances include three fifties, with her highest score of 92 runs at an exceptional average of 99. Though she lost the player of the Tournament title to England’s captain Grace Scrivens (for her all-round performance), Shweta Sehrawat won million hearts.
- Shafali Verma, the Indian skipper, finished as the third-highest run-scorer, including a half-century with 172 runs at an average of 24.57.
The entire country erupted with joy and celebration upon the momentous feat achieved by the Indian Women’s U19 team.
Breaking barriers
Despite the lack of proper support and recognition in the past, women cricketers in India are now breaking barriers and making their presence felt in various sports, including cricket. With more opportunities for training and competition, women athletes are showcasing their talents and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
A few months ago, in October 2022, BCCI announced the implementation of a pay equity policy for contracted Indian women cricketers. Indian women cricketers would henceforth be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts, the BCCI said. The sports fraternity had hailed the move as a historic milestone towards a new era for women’s cricket in India.
Indo Thai News team congratulates the Indian Women U19 Cricket Team for their glorious win and wishes them all the luck for many more.
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Pic courtesy: Twitter