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India are gearing up for the much awaited ICC Women's ODI World Cup which is slated to kick off from March 4 in New Zealand. Mithali Raj-led team, however, coming from a dismal outing where had to suffer a 1-4 series loss against the White Ferns.
The upcoming ODI World Cup could also be the last for Indian veterans Mithali and Jhulan Goswami, who have been giving their services to Indian cricket for over two decades now. And they will definitely try to finish their respective careers on a high. India didn't win a single Women's Cricket World Cup. The eleven World Cups played to date have been held in five countries, with India and England having hosted the event three times. Australia is the most successful team, having won six titles and failed to make the final on only three occasions.
The first set of games will also see two massive rivalries take the centre stage, with Australia taking on England at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 5 March and India facing Pakistan in Tauranga the following day. A total of 31 games will be played across 31 days, with the eight teams clashing to get their hands on the coveted World Cup trophy. Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Wellington will be the six cities that will host the tournament.
India's performance so far in the World Cup
Mithali Raj-led side will look to end their World Cup title drought. Having tasted defeat by just nine runs in the final of the 2017 World Cup against England, India went on to reach the T20 World Cup decider in 2020. However, once again they faltered at the last hurdle, losing to a strong Australian side at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) by 85 runs.
India also cruised to the final back in 2005. In the summit clash, Australia posted 215/4 after Karen Rolton, the No.3 batter, scored an unbeaten 107. India didn’t stand a chance after that, and was bowled out for just 117.
2017: India lost to England by nine runs
The 11th edition of the premier event was hosted by England, who went on to win the tournament, beating India in the final at Lord’s in a thriller. England finished atop the table at the end of the group stages, level on points with Australia, with both teams just losing one fixture each in seven matches. India and South Africa joined them in the semi-finals.
India shocked Australia in their semi-final, with Harmanpreet Kaur smashing a magical 171 not out off 115 balls – the fifth-highest World Cup score overall, and the highest individual score made by an Indian in the women’s World Cup. In the other semi-finals, England eased past South Africa in a nail-biting thriller, with just two balls remaining, to set up a cracking finale.
India looked primed to chase down England’s 229-run target in the final, having reached 191/3 in the 43rd over. However, a collapse, triggered by the nerveless Anya Shrubsole, who returned 6/46 – the best figures in a women’s World Cup final – helped England snatch a nine-victory in front of a near full-house at Lord’s.
2005: India lost to Australia by 98 runs
Australia made a top-place finish in the group stage after winning five out of the seven matches, while India finished the group stage behind the Aussies at the second spot with four victories from seven games.
In the semi-final, Australia defeated England by five wickets at Sedgars Park, Potchefstroom to storm into the final. The Women in Blue, on the other hand, swept aside New Zealand by 40 runs at the same venue to book their place in the summit showdown.
Australia won the toss and opted to bat first in the final. After losing openers Belinda Clark (19) and Lisa Keightley (5) cheaply, Rolton smashed a blistering unbeaten knock of 107 runs off just 128 balls , including 11 boundaries. She was well-supported by Lisa Sthalekar, who struck a 55-run knock, as Australia posted a respectable total of 215 for four in the stipulated 50 overs.
In reply, Cathryn Fitzpatrick and Shelly Nitschke bagged two wickets each while Clea Smith and Sthalekar chipped in with a wicket each to bundle out India for 117 runs. Anju Jain and Amita Sharma were the top scorers for the Women in Blue with 29 and 22 runs, respectively. Rolton was declared 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Series' for her brilliant show with the bat.
