Harmanpreet Kaur guides India to Women’s Cricket World Cup final, wishes pour in
Harmanpreet Kaur struck a sensational, unbeaten 171 as India stunned champions Australia by 36 runs to storm into the ICC Women’s World Cup final on Thursday.
India stormed through to the final of the Women’s World Cup as they picked up their third win over the Southern Stars in World Cup history in Derby on Thursday. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India rode on the brilliance of Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171 to pile a mammoth 281 before the bowlers did their share to bundle the six-time world champions at 245.
(Read | Harmanpreet Kaur’s passion takes her to top after starting from Moga streets)
While the men’s team has already won the World Cup twice (in 1983 and 2011), the women’s team is yet to lift the coveted trophy so far. In the only other occasion when they had reached the final back in 2005, they were outdone by the brilliance of their semifinal opponents.
However, with the way the team has been playing so far in the tournament, hopes can be pinned on Mithali Raj & Co to go the distance this time around. Beating the Aussies such in a comprehensive fashion was lauded by all, including their counterparts in the men’s team.
(Read | Harmanpreet Kaur wins praise from Tendulkar, Kohli after epic ton in Women’s Cricket World Cup semis)
Opener Shikhar Dhawan, who is in Sri Lanka as part of the side for their tour against the island nation, took to Twitter to celebrate the victory.
Former coach Anil Kumble, who had to step down in an unceremonious manner a few days back, too, congratulated the team.
A few former cricketers were up in the cheering squad as well with Virender Sehwag stating:
A number of the tweets were also for Mithali Raj, who became the only Indian captain (men and women included) to lead a side to two World Cup finals. She played her part well on Thursday as well, setting up the platform for Harmanpreet from the other end scoring 36 to stitch a 66-run partnership for the third wicket.
(Read | VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: How Harmanpreet Kaur destroyed Australia in Women’s Cricket World Cup)
Gautam Gambhir, who scored a rock-solid 97 in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, couldn’t control his excitement as he tweeted -
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