Skipper Mithali Raj reiterated post the side’s marauding victory over Australia, that the first goal of the unit was to make it to the semi finals of the World Cup. In a format that remains profusely competitive, not many gave the Indian women a chance to get so close to the trophy. Now, however, just one game separates the side from creating history and clinching their first ever World Cup.
Raj is someone who dearly knows the true essence of playing the big games. 12 years ago in South Africa, it was her side which lost to Australia in the final of the tournament. Better late than never though, and in the twilight of her legendary career, Raj now has a clear opportunity to create history for a nation, that lives cricket.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s sheer destruction was a force too hot to handle for the Southern Stars. In wake of her record breaking 171, the Punjab batter didn’t just shatter records but went on to make a really bold statement from an Indian perspective.
Up against hosts England, the unit would want to take some momentum from their previous clash in the tournament, when India won. Nevertheless, England have experienced some great highs since that defeat and their knowledge of Lord’s will be priceless.
Recent form:
England:
The hosts come on the back of a thriller against South Africa in the first semi final. In what should have been a decent run chase, things became extremely tricky as the Proteas bowlers hit back in the end. However, the England women kept their calm and got past the target, thereby providing an absolute thriller.
India:
India would take great heart from their previous two outings in the middle. In a do or die game against New Zealand, it was the willow of skipper Mithali Raj which yielded some magic as the women in blue crushed New Zealand. In the semi final though, least to everyone’s expectations, the Australian women were decimated with Harmanpreet Kaur playing one of the most dynamic World Cup innings.
Talking Points:
Harmanpreet Kaur remains a name that finds its essence in every Indian household at the moment. Considering her brutal innings against the defending world champions, England better be wary of her. Her ferocious hitting demolished Australia and with an ocean of experience under her belt, she could churn out yet another historic performance on Sunday.
Like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami is another legend of Indian cricket. The pacer was a part of the team which finished as the runners up in the 2005 World Cup. Playing her final World Cup game in all probability, Goswami would want to bowl a magical spell at the top to create history.
Match Prediction:
Keeping in mind the momentum and the nature of the previous two wins, India enters the game as the top contenders. If things go according to plan, Lord’s could witness a historic occasion on Sunday.