The Indian Women’s Cricket team is gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to begin on October 3rd in the UAE. This tournament marks a significant opportunity for India to clinch their maiden senior ICC trophy, a feat that has eluded them thus far. The Women in Blue came tantalizingly close to lifting the coveted trophy in the 2020 edition, only to fall short in the final, marking their best performance in the tournament’s history.
India’s campaign in 2020 was nothing short of impressive, showcasing their dominance throughout the group stages. Under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team started their journey with a resounding 17-run victory over the reigning champions, Australia. They then went on to conquer fellow Group A competitors New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, securing the top spot with an outstanding record. Their momentum carried them into the semifinals, where they faced a formidable England side. However, the threat of rain loomed large, casting uncertainty over the crucial match.
While Cricket Australia requested a reserve day for the semifinal matches, the ICC declined. Sadly, rain did intervene, washing out the match and forcing the teams to rely on their group stage performance. Fortunately for India, their superior record during the group stages secured their place in the final. In the other semifinal, Australia emerged victorious against South Africa, booking their place in their sixth consecutive final.
This was India’s first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup final, and their impressive performance throughout the tournament led many to believe they could challenge the formidable Australian team. However, despite their valiant efforts, the Women in Blue ultimately suffered a heavy 85-run defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Poonam Yadav, the leg spinner who claimed an impressive 10 wickets, was the lone Indian player to be named in the ICC T20 World Cup XI. Another standout performer was the then 16-year-old Shafali Verma, who amassed 171 runs, earning her a spot as the 12th player in the tournament’s XI.
With a significant number of players from the 2020 squad, including those who displayed remarkable talent, returning for the 2024 tournament, India is determined to erase the memory of that heartbreaking defeat and claim the ultimate prize. The team, bolstered by the experience and skill of its core players, is poised to make a strong push for victory. All eyes will be on the Indian Women’s Cricket team as they strive to etch their names in history by securing their first ICC trophy.
