India have qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time after their semi-final against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground was abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side progressed through to the finals by virtue of finishing higher on the points table.
Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Heather Knight eventually shook hands, about 20 minutes before the cut-off time for the toss after the umpires decided to call off the match without a ball bowled. A washout was always on the cards, given the forecast and India’s flawless run in the tournament ensured them their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup final berth.
Meanwhile, India have played flawless cricket right from the onset to make it to the top four of the competition. They have defeated Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka on their way to the semifinal. The young side played fearless cricket right through the tournament with 16-year-old Shafali Verma leading the batting unit while the bowlers produced combined effort to deliver the goods for their side.
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Wishes started pouring in from all quarters soon after India made it to the finals. Former cricketers and celebrities took to social media to congratulate the women’s team including men’s skipper Virat Kohli. The talismanic run-scorer, who had a horrific series in New Zealand congratulated the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team and wished them luck for the title clash.
“Congratulations to the Indian Women’s team on qualifying for the @T20WorldCup final. We are proud of you girls and wish you all the luck for the finals. @BCCIWomen,” Virat Kohli tweeted right after India booked their place in the finals.
Congratulations to the Indian Women’s team on qualifying for the @T20WorldCup final. We are proud of you girls and wish you all the luck for the finals. @BCCIWomen
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 5, 2020
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They will face either South Africa or Australia at the MCG on Sunday 8 March, International Women’s Day. Meanwhile, the second semi-final is also scheduled for March 5, and if it is also washed out, South Africa will progress to the T20 World Cup final as Group B winners.
