For the first time in history, India women’s cricket team has reached the grand finale of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup but without playing a ball in the semi-final against England in Sydney. On Thursday (5th March), as it rained heavily during the match time, the game was declared abandoned which led India’s direct entry in the finals of the mega event.
India and England would have never thought their clash to end like this. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was also not happy that they couldn’t get the game because of the inclement weather.
India was ahead of the opponent as they haven’t lost the game so far whereas England had lost the opener of the match. Thus, it has given an advantage to the Women in Blue.
Besides, there is no ‘reserve day’ rule in the ICC for the Women’s cricket because of which the game could not be played on the next day.
Harmanpreet Kaur wished for a reserve day:
In the post-match presentation, Indian skipper Harmanpreet wished that there should be a reserve day in the competition. But she is happy with the team’s effort in the group stage matches which has given India an unarguable advantage.
“It is unfortunate not to get a game due to the weather. But that’s how the rules go. In the future, it would be nice to have a reserve day,” Harmanpreet said.
Team India relying on positives, Harmanpreet Kaur confident ahead of T20 World Cup final:
“From day one, we knew that we have to win all the games because if in case we don’t get any play in the semifinals, it will be hard for us. Credit to the team, we wanted to win all the games and we did it,” the skipper said.
Further, she appreciated the youngster Shafali Verma‘s batting in the tournament which has led them to win the game. The captain wants to remain positive for the finals which will be played on her birthday (8th March).
However, India will face Australia as hosts beat South Africa by five runs in the second semi-final.