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. Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has a special message for the young girls ahead of the final clash.
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.
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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.
Ahead of their pinnacle clash, the Women in Blues received a morale booster from Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster asked the entire team to be at the moment and enjoy playing the game. He also revealed that he had interactions with some of the cricketers and is confident that they will bring the trophy in India.
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"Just be in that moment and go out and play. Coincidentally, I was there next to the trophy, and our few team members were there from our women's team. I said it would be nice to see you with this trophy in India," Tendulkar said.
Meanwhile, India will play six-times finalist and host Australia in the epic clash on March 8 (Sunday) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.
