Before the day of the Women's T20 World Cup semifinal between India and England, the threat of rain was looming large. India did not have to worry much for an abandoned game went we would go through to the final. Why? Because we had topped our group and England had finished 2nd in theirs. Yes, a tad unfair to the English but let's face it, India won four out of four games, including vs the favourites Australia. So no doubt we have earned our right to fight it out for the title.
Now here's what is interesting. The final is on March 8. And what is March 8? International Women's Day of course! In other words the Women In Blue have the chance to Win the Women's T20 World Cup on Women's Day. Now that is something truly special. Oh and yes, this is our first final and we have a chance to create history on a day that celebrates women. It could not have gone better according to script.?
Harmanpreet's girls have produced some brilliant performances to get this far. The opening win over Australia sent a message to the world that the girls were here to stay. It was just the start. India took on Bangladesh next whom they brushed aside and New Zealand were beaten in a thriller. Sri Lanka posed no threat and we overcame them with ease. The result? Topping the group with a 100 per cent win record which meant we had one foot in the final.?
Now the weather has sent us through and a sunny day is predicted in Melbourne on the day of the final. We are facing Australia and the Women in Blue shall be looking to write their name in the history books.?
The likes of Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, Radha Yadav, Jemimah Rodrigues and Kaur herself shall be expected to put their best foot forward. Shafali, Poonam and Radha have been the most consistent in the tournament and it is time for the rest of the team to step up.?
Now of course while we are confident of winning, we need to recognise the reality that we could lose. But one thing is for sure, we shall lose to a better team and not because we game up. Winning is the target and the girls are ready for battle. Whether or not we come back with the trophy, these women have already done us proud. But should we actually bring the Cup home on the most special of days, that will be something future generations shall remember in the years to come. ?