Mumbai, 18 November 2023: India created history by clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating Australia by 7 wickets in a nail-biting final at the Wankhede Stadium. This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s cricket, inspiring millions across the nation.
Match Highlights
Australia’s Innings:
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a strong start, India’s disciplined bowling restricted Australia to a total of 142/7 in 20 overs.
Top Performers:
Beth Mooney scored a resilient 46 off 38 balls.
Deepti Sharma claimed 3 wickets for just 21 runs, dismantling Australia’s middle order.
India’s Chase:
India chased the target confidently, reaching 143/3 in 19.2 overs.
Top Performers:
Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring a stunning 71 off 49 balls, including 8 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Jemimah Rodrigues added a crucial 35 runs in a steady partnership with Mandhana.
Player of the Match and Tournament
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana for her match-winning knock.
Player of the Tournament: Shafali Verma for her consistent performances throughout the World Cup, amassing 302 runs in 6 matches.
Captain’s Reaction
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, visibly emotional, said: “This victory is a dream come true for every player in the team. It’s not just a win for us, but for every girl who dreams of playing cricket for India.”
Historic Achievement
This triumph ends Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket, making India only the third team to win the Women’s T20 World Cup after England and Australia.
Nationwide Celebrations
The victory sparked celebrations across the country, with fans taking to the streets to cheer for the team.
Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages, with #WomenInBlue and #T20WorldCup trending nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, stating, “Our women cricketers have scripted history. This win will inspire generations.”
Future Prospects
India’s victory is expected to boost the popularity of women’s cricket in the country, with increased focus on infrastructure, sponsorships, and opportunities for young talent.
