Cricket

India's star batter Jemimah Rodrigues has acknowledged the team's subpar performance at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. India's campaign ended in the group stage, with a tough loss to New Zealand, followed by victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, a nine-run defeat to Australia and Pakistan's subsequent loss to New Zealand dashed India's hopes of advancing.Rodrigues expressed disappointment with the team's performance, stating that they "didn't play the best cricket that we should have played as an Indian team." She emphasized that each player is aware of their shortcomings and is determined to improve.With the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year in India, Rodrigues expressed confidence that the hosts will learn from their mistakes and prepare well for the 50-over tournament. She stressed the importance of individual accountability and teamwork in achieving success.Rodrigues also highlighted the benefits of playing in global leagues like the WPL, WBBL, CPL, and The Hundred for Indian cricketers. She believes that these leagues provide opportunities to play against the best in the world and adapt to different conditions."Playing these foreign leagues and playing in WPL does help because you play against the best in the world in all these leagues. And at the same time, you get to play in different conditions," Rodrigues said.She added, "In India, we play in different conditions. Over here, every ground is too different to the other. I think that is one of the best parts of playing franchise cricket—that you get used to playing in different conditions."Rodrigues' insights underscore the importance of international exposure and the need for Indian cricketers to embrace global opportunities to enhance their skills and prepare for major tournaments.

The India-Pakistan clash in the women's T20 World Cup on October 6, 2024, shattered records by attracting the highest attendance ever witnessed at a group stage match in the tournament's history. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, drew an astounding 15,935 spectators."The India versus Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on 6 October set a new record for the highest attendance at a group stage match in Women's T20 World Cup history," the ICC stated. "This Group A clash in the 2024 edition drew an impressive crowd of 15,935, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two neighbors."The ICC also highlighted the remarkable growth in attendance for the women's T20 World Cup 2024, with a total of 91,030 fans attending matches, representing a significant 30% increase from the previous edition."The thrilling final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday saw 21,457 fans in attendance, a remarkable 68% increase from the last final in South Africa," the ICC said. "The group stages and semi-finals also witnessed strong support, attracting 69,573 fans, a 21% rise compared to the previous edition, highlighting the expanding global appeal of women's cricket."The ICC attributed the impressive turnout to the growing interest in women's cricket among diverse audiences. "Women's cricket is reaching new heights, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE is a shining example of the sport's expanding impact," said ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice. "The impressive turnout demonstrates the growing global support for women's cricket and the potential for hosting elite women's sport in this region."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament, recognizing the outstanding performances of players throughout the competition. India's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stands as the sole Indian representative in the prestigious lineup.Kaur emerged as a beacon of hope for India amidst a challenging campaign. She topped the team's scoring charts and ranked fourth overall in the tournament, amassing 150 runs in four innings. Her two half-centuries propelled her to an impressive average of 150 and a strike rate of 133.92, the fifth-best in the competition. Kaur's blistering 52 off 27 balls against Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in keeping India's semifinal hopes alive.South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt, the tournament's captain, provided a solid foundation for her team at the top of the order. She surpassed 30 runs in all but one of her games, including four scores over 40. Her highest score came in South Africa's opening match, but it was her resilient 42 in the semi-final that laid the groundwork for a successful chase against Australia.Tazmin Brits, South Africa's opener, formed a formidable partnership with Wolvaardt, driving the team to the final. Brits accumulated 187 runs in six innings, averaging an impressive 37.40. She surpassed 40 runs in three innings, including a match-winning unbeaten 57 in South Africa's opening fixture against the West Indies.England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge emerged as a firecracker at the top of the order, notching up the most runs for her side. She registered scores of 40+ in each of England's first three games. Wyatt-Hodge's tournament highlight was an unbeaten 26-ball 51 against Scotland, guiding England to a 10-wicket win in a record partnership alongside Maia Bouchier.New Zealand's Melie Kerr, the Player of the Final and the Player of the Tournament, starred in her team's title-winning campaign. She contributed both with the bat and ball, scoring 135 runs in six innings and taking 15 wickets, becoming the tournament's leading wicket-taker. Her impressive 3 for 24 in the final, including the crucial wickets of Wolvaardt and Bosch, was pivotal in New Zealand's victory.Deandra Dottin shone for the West Indies on her return to international cricket. She scored 120 runs in five innings, averaging 40, and played a crucial role in the middle order. Her tournament-high nine sixes were unmatched, and she also contributed with the ball, taking five wickets, including a standout performance of 4 for 22 in the semifinal against New Zealand.Bangladesh's wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana Joty had a standout performance, excelling both behind the stumps and with the bat. She scored 104 runs in four innings, with a top score of 39 against the West Indies. Her best contributions came with the gloves, where she made six stumpings and took one catch, the highest total among wicketkeepers in the tournament.Afy Fletcher came up clutch with the ball for the West Indies, finishing off with the third-most wickets. Despite not picking up a wicket in their opening game, the 37-year-old returned with strong performances, taking 10 wickets in total, including two 3-wicket hauls against Scotland and England.New Zealand's Rosemary Mair bookended her tournament with two outstanding displays. She returned the best figures for the White Ferns in their crucial opening win over India, taking 4/19, and was excellent again in the final, taking 3/25. With probing accuracy and big movement, Mair proved an important weapon for the champions.South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba made her team's tournament come to life with a brilliant 4/29 in their first game against the West Indies. She remained crucial throughout, varying her speeds and lengths to great effect. Her scalp of Tahlia McGrath ended a promising stand for Australia in the semi-final, and she also removed Suzie Bates and Melie Kerr in the final.Australia's reliable pacer Megan Schutt had a typically impactful outing, troubling batters throughout the innings. Her ability to maintain control was matched by her wicket-taking prowess. She was at her best in the group game against New Zealand, striking first and then taking wickets of Melie Kerr and Eden Carson to seal a dominant win for Australia.

New Zealand's White Ferns etched their name in cricket history on Sunday, October 20, 2024, by capturing their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title with a clinical 32-run victory over South Africa in Dubai.The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for the White Ferns, who had endured a 10-match losing streak heading into the tournament. However, they emerged as the most dominant bowling unit, showcasing their resilience and determination.In the high-stakes final, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first. Amelia Kerr (43 off 38) and Brooke Halliday (38 off 28) played pivotal roles in guiding the team to a competitive total of 158 for five.South Africa's chase began promisingly, with Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) and Tazmin Brits (26 off 25) putting on a 47-run opening partnership. However, the introduction of Kerr's leg-spin proved to be a game-changer.Kerr's guile and accuracy stifled the South African batters, and she claimed the crucial wicket of Wolvaardt in the 10th over. The Proteas' middle order failed to respond to the pressure, and they were eventually restricted to 126 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.Kerr finished with impressive figures of three for 24, while fellow spinner Eden Carson chipped in with two for 23.New Zealand's victory was a testament to their collective strength and unwavering belief. They had overcome adversity throughout the tournament, and their triumph was a fitting reward for their hard work and dedication.

The Women's T20 World Cup final on Sunday promises to be a historic occasion, with both South Africa and New Zealand vying for their first-ever title. The match will be a testament to the growth and resilience of women's cricket, as both teams have overcome adversity to reach the pinnacle of the sport.South Africa, who lost to Australia in the final last year, have shown remarkable determination and unity throughout this tournament. Their victory over Australia in the semi-final was a testament to their belief and fighting spirit. New Zealand, on the other hand, have been consistent performers, losing only one wicket in the powerplay throughout the tournament. Their experience and leadership will be crucial in the final.The match will feature several key players who have played pivotal roles in their teams' success. Sophie Devine, New Zealand's captain, has been a force to be reckoned with, while Anneke Bosch's unbeaten 74 in the semi-final was a game-changer for South Africa.The pitch in Dubai is expected to favor spin, which could give an advantage to both teams. South Africa's Marizanne Kapp and New Zealand's Amelia Kerr are among the top wicket-takers in the tournament and will be key players in the final.The match will also be a significant moment for Suzie Bates, who is set to become the most capped player in women's internationals. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable for New Zealand.Both teams have expressed their determination to win the title. South Africa's Chloe Tryon believes that the team has grown and matured since last year's final, while Bates emphasized the importance of the "grandmas" of the New Zealand team.The Women's T20 World Cup final promises to be a thrilling and historic event. Both South Africa and New Zealand have earned their place in the final and will be determined to make history.

New Zealand's White Ferns have secured their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final after a thrilling eight-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah on Friday.Despite a valiant effort from Deandra Dottin, who limited New Zealand to 128-9 with her impressive 4-22 bowling performance, her powerful 33 from 22 balls, including three sixes, was not enough to carry the West Indies to victory.New Zealand's innings got off to a promising start with Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33) putting on 48 for the first wicket. However, Dottin's bowling prowess proved too much for the White Ferns, as she dismissed Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday (18), Maddy Green, and Rosemary Mair. Isabella Gaze's late flourish of 20 from 14 balls gave the New Zealand bowlers a total to defend.The West Indies faced a difficult start against New Zealand's precise bowling, and their chances seemed slim when captain Hayley Matthews was out for 15. Dottin's explosive innings brought the West Indies back into contention, but her dismissal left Afy Fletcher (17 not out) and Zaida James (14) to continue the battle.New Zealand only secured the win in the final over of the match, with Eden Carson, the New Zealand off-spinner, being awarded Player of the Match for her impressive figures of 3-29 from four overs.The White Ferns will now face South Africa, who knocked out defending champions Australia on Thursday, in Sunday's final at Dubai. New Zealand, who were runners-up in the first two tournaments in 2009 and 2010, will be hoping to secure their first T20 World Cup title.

India's disappointing exit from the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has raised concerns about the team's ability to compete at the highest level in the shortest format. Despite boasting a talented squad, India failed to live up to expectations, losing their opening match to New Zealand and ultimately failing to qualify for the knockout stages.Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes that the team's struggles stem from a lack of understanding of how to play T20 cricket effectively. "They still haven't been able to crack that code individually and collectively," she said. "Certain players, starting with Harmanpreet Kaur, know how to pace the innings, but I can't say the same for everyone else."Chopra also criticized the team's preparation for the tournament, suggesting that they were underprepared for the intensity of the competition. "When they played their first match against New Zealand, I thought they were a little underprepared and possibly they didn't expect New Zealand to come hard at them," she said.India's lack of a winning mentality was also a factor in their downfall, according to Chopra. "They never had the feel of a team who were there in the UAE to win the tournament," she said. "You can expect that also to happen because you've just lost the first game."Despite playing a series of T20 matches in the lead-up to the World Cup, India failed to address the mistakes that have plagued them in previous tournaments. "The same mistakes cannot happen again and again," said Chopra. "If the same mistake is happening, then definitely there is a miss in either the skill level or preparation or adaptation."Chopra believes that the team needs to identify and address these issues if they want to be successful in future T20 events. "Changing people and setups is not going to just solve it," she said. "We have everything in our country. BCCI provides us with everything in our country from preparation to games to whatever a player requires to become a world champion."

West Indies and New Zealand Battle for a Spot in the Women's T20 World Cup FinalIn a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine called the shots and elected to bat first against the West Indies. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.West Indies, the 2016 champions, are determined to make their second appearance in the final. New Zealand, on the other hand, is aiming to break their 14-year drought and reach the final for the first time since 2010.With the tournament favorites, Australia, eliminated in the previous semi-final, the remaining teams have a renewed sense of optimism. West Indies and New Zealand have a history of competitive matches, with the West Indies emerging victorious in their 2016 semi-final encounter.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. West Indies boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, while New Zealand relies on the explosive batting of Devine and Suzie Bates.On the bowling front, West Indies will look to Shakera Selman and Aaliyah Alleyne to restrict New Zealand's scoring. New Zealand, in turn, will count on the experience of Lea Tahuhu and the spin of Amelia Kerr.The winner of this semi-final will face either India or England in the final, scheduled for February 26th at the same venue.

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup final, South Africa elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Australia in the first semi-final of the 2024 edition. The match, played at a pitch with minimal grass cover, marked the absence of Australian captain Alyssa Healy, who continues to recover from an injury.South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, explained her decision to bowl first by stating that the ball "comes on better in the second half." The Proteas fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous match, while Australia retained the same team that narrowly defeated India in their last league game.Australia's batting lineup featured explosive opener Grace Harris and wicketkeeper-batter Beth Mooney, who has been in impressive form throughout the tournament. South Africa's bowling attack, led by experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and pace bowler Ayabonga Khaka, will be tasked with containing the Australian batters.The pitch, which has hosted two matches in the tournament, is expected to offer assistance to both batters and fast bowlers. The square boundaries are relatively short, measuring 57 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary is 73 meters.South Africa will be aiming to repeat their historic T20I victory over Australia earlier this year, while Australia will be determined to avenge their loss in the previous World Cup final. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the top teams in women's cricket.