Indian women’s cricket team on Saturday (August 6) entered the final of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 with a thrilling four-run win over England in the first semi-final at Edgbaston.
By virtue of this victory, India also broke the knockout hoodoo against England, who were their nemesis in the 2017 ODI World Cup final and 2018 T20 World Cup semi-final.
In the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, the Women in Blue were scheduled to play against England again in the semi-final. However, rain marred the marquee game and India were given a ticket to the final on the basis of collecting more points in the group stage.
After breaking the jinx, the Indian team certainly heaved a sigh of relief and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana told the broadcasters that she hoped for her team to get over the line in the last-over thriller.
“I was trying to remember the last-ball matches and hoped we would get over the line. We haven’t done that well, so more than my fielding, I was hoping to get over the line this time. The crowd is amazing, we usually have the majority but England had it today. I’ll take half an hour for the feeling to sink in,” Mandhana said.
Smriti Mandhana led the foundation of India’s victory as she slammed 61 off 31 balls at the top, propelling her team to 164/5 in 20 overs.
“I was batting well in the last 2-3 weeks, it was like I was 2-3 years back. I’m happy to have found the touch, hope it will continue in the final too,” she added.
In reply, England fell agonizingly short of the target. Deepti Sharma starred with the ball for India, picking one wicket by giving away only 18 runs in her four overs. Sneh Rana also returned with impressive bowling figures of 2 for 28 in her four overs while also defending 14 runs in the final over successfully.
“We have given a few overs but with matches like this, roles have to be changed. Deepti’s overs in the middle were important. Rana was amazing bowling with only three fielders in the deep. That will be remembered for a long time,” stated Smriti.
India will take on Australia, who got the better of New Zealand in the second semi-final, for the gold medal match on Sunday (August 7).
(With IANS inputs)
