While it was mission accomplished for Australia, the 86,000 fans at the Women’s World Cup final at Melbourne Cricket Ground also made a loud statement. That of supporting women cricket — a discipline dominated by tournaments played by men. That the final happened on the International Women’s day made it even more special (“Australia crush India to win fifth Twenty20 World Cup,” Mar.8, Gulf Today).

Though the attendance did not hit the magic figure of 90,185, the largest attendance at a women sporting fixture, it was nevertheless a record crowd for a women’s cricket game. And the noteworthy part was that the 86,174 who attended the final did so despite fears about the deadly coronavirus that has seen global sporting events either being cancelled or played behind closed doors.

It was also a day to remember for the star performer Alyssa Healy, who made her husband Mitchell Starc’s long trip from South Africa (skipping the final ODI against South Africa) to Melbourne memorable. Another great story there on Women’s day.  Healy who smashed a quick-fire 75 was joined by Beth Mooney with an unbeaten 78 as the defending champions plundered an ominous 184 for four — the highest score ever in a women’s T20 final. Apart from weak fielding the Indians also failed in the batting division to ultimately lose by 85 runs.

But I feel there are a few positives for the Indians, especially for Shafali Verma who is at the top of ICC’s T20 batting rankings after her match winning performances and is the third highest scorer at the World Cup.

Sharon Rego

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