Win Projections to be updated soon
Final, Melbourne, March 08, 2020, 12:30 PM
Australia Women
184/4(20.0ov)
India Women
99/10(19.1ov)
Australia Women beat India Women by 85 runs
Tennis legend Billie Jean King is posing with the victorious Aussie team, after spending some time with the Indians early on. And with that note, we would like to take your leave as well. Congratulations Australia, commiserations for every other team which participated. And a special thank you for all the readers who are still reading this, in spite of the match getting over long back. Hopefully, we will get your company in future soon. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Harmanpreet Kaur is looking distraught and angry. But she would understand that it was one bad day. Else, there was no argument over the fact that India were the best team of the tournament. They say, batsmen win you matches. Bowlers win you tournaments. What they do not say is - fielding can win you games, but can also lose you some. Sadly for India, their worst fielding display came on the final night. Something they need to work upon and get better at.
Meg Lanning cannot wait. But Melanie Jones understands that Lanning is itching to go and join her team in lifting the trophy. And so she relieves her of more questions. Meg just rushes towards her team and AUSTRALIA HOLD THE TROPHY ALOFT! Perhaps, if, before 21st February, 2020, had anyone asked whether Australia would be the champions - the answer would have been YES. But an opening match loss to India, followed by some indifferent performances along the way, raised some doubts. But as true champions, the Kangaroos bounced all those off and have gone on to record their 5th T20 World Cup title. Take a bow.
Victorious Australian skipper, Meg Lanning, says that she is really proud of this group of players. Admits that they had ups and downs, scraped through to the semi-finals but eventually, played their best in the final. Also agrees that it was tough for Australia to deal with the home World Cup pressure, especially after losing their first game. But then praises every member of her team for having her back on the other and sticking together as a group. Praises her batting openers for coming prepared and executing a plan against a dangerous Indian opposition. Does not want to comment too much on Megan Schutt's off-field comments but says that she is her best bowler and always believed that she will perform. Thanks the crowd, the fans and the support staff for this amazing tournament.
Time for medallions for the Aussie Women.
Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, gets a massive applause. Agrees that the way India played in the league stage, it was outstanding and feels unfortunate for the no-show in the final. Admits that the loss is purely because of the poor fielding and says that whenever they get out on a ground next, need to understand that fielding is very important. Stresses that the future is very bright, just that they need to believe in one another. Agrees that they were always confident of doing well in this tournament but their first win over Australia lifted them to really high spirits. On the forced 8-day break before the final, Kaur, without saying that it dented their momentum, indirectly admits that it hurt them. Feels that India are on the right line because every year they are improving, citing their previous big tournament finish as being the semi-finalists in 2018. Hopes that the team gets more success and consistency in future. Is looking forward to the upcoming Women's Challenge, as that will show the depth of India's future.
The Indian team now gets its medallions.
BETH MOONEY HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT. Unlike Healy, Beth cannot suppress the tears in her eyes. Says that she is at a loss of words. Feels that it was an unbelievable tournament and thanks the crowd. On her consistency, Mooney says that it was all about riding the waves and sticking to your purposes. Praises Healy for making life easier for her by going after the bowlers in the Powerplay. Does not feel that the opening match loss got them down, rather, says that the team focused on how they lost that game and learnt from it. Adds that she likes to challenge herself, find new ways of being the best and is proud of her team. Thanks the selectors for giving her an opportunity to play in this World Cup and the support staff for keeping her fit.
ALYSSA HEALY HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Says that it was an unbelievable applause and thanks the entire crowd. On the smile on her face, Healy says that even if Australia had lost, they would have been smiling, simply because of the opportunity they got to play in a home World Cup final. On her loss of form in this tournament, Alyssa bluntly says that she never felt out of touch, just needed a bit of luck, which, she says she got in the first game and just used that momentum in every game. As far as the final is concerned, Healy credits Mooney for rotating the strike, allowing her to hit the big shots and then hitting them herself after Alyssa's dismissal. Adds that they enjoy each other's company in the middle and looks forward to more of such partnerships.
The match officials now get their medallions.
Spare a thought for Shafali Verma. She dropped Alyssa Healy in the very first over and deep down, would be feeling that she is the sole person responsible for this loss. But Harmanpreet Kaur consoles her. Next, Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav get across and hug Shafali. She bursts into tears. Poor kid, but these are moments which make you strong. You learn from your mistakes and then look forward to a better future. Time now for the actual presentation...
The Australians are in a huddle. Meg Lanning becomes just the third Aussie captain after Lyn Larsen (1988) and Michael Clarke (2015) to win a home cricket World Cup. She is besides herself with joy. She was quoting before this match that this is THE most important game in her career and boy, did her team win it for her. The dedication is going towards Ellyse Perry, whom they actually should have missed, but it did not seem like. Every player seemed to double the effort to counter for Perry's absence and it was as if 14 players were playing in the final for the Aussies.
Michael Clarke now has got Jess Jonassen. She says that she is feeling absolutely incredible as she had never played in front of such a massive crowd. On the Mexican Waves around the ground, Jonassen tells that she was telling one of her teammates that it was really amazing. On the overall tournament, she says that they started a bit poorly but reached here and did what they could do best.
Ashleigh Gardner says winning it in front of the your home crowd is very special. Further adds she would like to congratulate India on how they played. States it is an honour and she loves playing for her country. On playing in front of 86,000 people, she says that she never thought she would get the opportunity and enjoyed watching the Mexican Wave.
Megan Schutt is down for a quick chat with Michael Clarke. She says that she is absolutely overwhelmed. Tells that she was really excited before the game and was waiting for the game. On their batting, Schutt feels that the openers got out to bat with a lot of confidence. On their way of handling the pressure, Schutt says that they just wanted to enjoy the final in front of such a huge crowd.
Rachael Haynes is down for an interview. On the atmosphere, she says it was terrific and they have had good support throughout the tournament. Further adds they have generally been very dominant but they had to fight throughout this tournament, they have had injury issues but it all ended well. Ends by saying it is a really special moment for them and it is very special to be involved in this.
Coming to the run chase, it always helps when you have 180-plus behind your back. India were behind the 8-ball right from the first ball of the run chase and the early departure of Shafali Verma just opened the floodgates. Only four batters reached double figures with not even a single 50-stand. Certainly, there could have been some more fight shown. But sadly for India, their crux of batting firepower - Mandhana, Rodrigues and Kaur - flopped miserably - not only here but in general throughout the tournament. India were 4 down in the Powerplay itself. Schutt and Jonassen did most of the damage, sharing 7 wickets between them in the match. Please stay tuned for plenty of interviews and the post-match presentation...
Sometimes, there are some days, there are some moments when you just feel it is your day. Perhaps Alyssa Healy sensed that towards the end of the Powerplay. She suddenly exploded post the fielding restrictions and that is where, we feel, the game was lost. 93 runs came in those 9 overs for the loss of just 1 wicket. India were pegged back. The game was gone.
We can start by how the run chase began but was the match lost at the toss itself? It did seem like India were thinking like that. They simply did not look pumped up and perhaps felt that chasing at the MCG is pretty imposing. And then, that played on their nerves. First, Alyssa Healy was dropped in the first over. Then, Beth Mooney was given a chance in the 4th. That just told the nerves and emotions India were going through and Australia pounced.
Cricket is all about techniques, your game sense, your footwork, your timing, your skill, etc, etc, etc... It is also about one more thing. That thing which is not taught by any coach or in any dictionary or in any book. NERVES. You need to get that by experience and try and get better at it. Australia were nervous because this unit was playing its first home World Cup final. India were nervous as well because they were playing their first ever World Cup final in the T20 format for the Eves. In a battle of nerves, Australia triumphed. Rather, India let themselves down.
Well, Australia can celebrate, so can the crowd. But surely, the supporters deserved better? Not just the Indian supporters but a sport fan in general. A big-hyped final, watched by millions around the globe, surely deserved to have a better contest. Sadly, there was no contest. Only one team was playing.
5-TIME WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS. Take a bow, Australia. You lost the first game. Nearly lost the second. Scraped through to the semis. Just about got helped by luck and rain gods to reach the final. But cometh the final, cometh the hour, the World Champions, the defending champions, strut their stuff, reserving their best for the last.
19.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent running catch and Australia celebrate! They have won the 2020 edition of the T20 World Cup. It is celebration time. Length ball on middle, Poonam mistimes her slog towards mid-wicket. Gardner from the deep comes charging forward and holds onto the catch. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 85 RUNS!
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0W
Jess Jonassen 20/3(4)
18.6
1
Another tossed up ball on off, Yadav comes down the track and hits it to the right of the bowler who dives and stops it.
18.5
.
Slower through the air and on off, defended.
18.4
1
Fired on middle, this is swept through square leg for one.
18.3
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
18.2
.
On off, defended.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad is the last batter in.
18.1
W
OUT! Number 9 goes down! Australia just the one wicket away from the win. Radha uses her feet and gets to the pitch of it. She looks to lift it over mid on but gifts a simple catch to Mooney there.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0W
4
0W
Megan Schutt 18/3(3)
17.6
.
Shortish and wide outside off, Poonam looks to cut but misses. Healy behind the wickets whips the bails off quickly and appeals but not out says the square leg umpire.
17.5
.
Full and around off, this one is driven towards mid off uppishly.
17.4
1
Dropped but what an effort from Mooney at mid off. Full and just outside off, Radha looks to clear the ropes but once again there is no timing. The ball goes up in the air over the bowler's head. Mooney runs to her right, makes a lot of ground, gets her hand to the ball but fails to catch. A single taken.
Poonam Yadav walks in now.
17.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! India 8 down now and Australia are wrapping this up quickly. The Indian skipper in the dugout looks distraught. Length ball around off, Ghosh looks to slog it on the leg side but once again an Indian batter fails to time it. It goes towards mid-wicket where Carey swallows the skier easily.
17.2
4
EDGY FOUR! Shortish and just outside off, Ghosh looks to cut but the ball takes the outside edge and races away to the third man fence.
Radha Yadav walks in for the final rites of this match.
17.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Another brilliant take! Schutt has her second. Full and outside off, Shikha looks to drive on the up but the ball hits the high end of her bat and lobs towards mid off uppishly. Mooney there runs back and takes a very good catch. Australia just 3 wickets away.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
0W
Nicola Carey 23/1(4)
16.6
1
Lands safe! A slower one on middle, Pandey swings but only manages to hit it high towards deep mid-wicket for one.
16.5
.
Very full and on off, Pandey looks to jam it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
16.4
1
On off, this is dragged through mid-wicket for one.
16.3
1
A slower one on middle, it jags back in a little after pitching. Pandey looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the off side for one. No signal from the umpire so there might be an inside edge.
16.2
1
Richa comes down the track and strokes it towards extra cover. She goes for it. Jonassen does really well. She moves to her right, slides, picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but luckily for Richa, she misses.
16.1
W
OUT! Another one bites the dust! Deepti Sharma holes out now! It is a short ball outside off, Deepti flat-bats it down towards long on. She does not get the distance and Mooney takes a good catch diving forward. Shikha Pandey walks out to bat now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Jess Jonassen 18/2(3)
15.6
1
Loopy and around off, Sharma takes a step forward and across before turning it behind square leg. Takes a run, Ghosh looks for the second as well but it's not on.
15.5
1
Nicely tossed up ball around middle, Ghosh tries to go hard at it but it takes the inner half and rolls through mid-wicket for a run.
15.4
1
Flighted around leg, Deepti sweeps it behind square leg for a single.
15.3
1
Flatter one, around off, Ghosh gets down on one knee and heaves it across the line. Doesn't time it too well and it goes towards wide long on for one.
15.2
1
Up and over the infield! Loopy and full ball around off, Sharma walks down the track again and slices her attempted inside-out shot over cover-point. A single taken.
15.1
2
Flighted delivery, landing full around off, Deepti advances down the track and flicks it with gentle hands to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. The throw is towards the keeper but Sharma is safely in with a full length dive.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
1
Delissa Kimmince 17/1(4)
14.6
1
On the pads, this time Sharma sweeps it to deep square leg. Just a run again. Singles will not do any harm to the Aussies.
14.5
1
Full and on off, pushed through covers for a single.
14.4
.
Short and wide outside off, Richa cuts it well but the point fielder dives to make an excellent stop. She though fails to give the ball at the right end to run the batter down.
14.3
1
Full and outside off, Richa strokes it through mid off but only a run as there is a protection in the deep.
14.2
1
Flatter and around off, Sharma lofts it on the up over extra cover this time but once again just a single.
14.1
1
Short and on middle, Deepti pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
2
1
0
1
Nicola Carey 19/0(3)
13.6
1
Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
13.5
4
EDGY FOUR! Shorter and outside off, Deepti slashes it but it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for a boundary.
13.4
2
Brilliant effort from Jonassen! This is fuller and around off, it is lofted over the mid off fielder. JJ runs after it and just at the end, with a forward dive, flicks it back in with her left hand. Saves two for her side.
13.3
1
Safe! Shorter and around off, Richa comes down the track and looks to pull but ends up mistiming it towards third man for one.
13.2
.
Shorter and on the body, Richa looks to pull but misses to get hit on the body.
13.1
1
Length and around middle, this is hit down towards long on for one.
In over# 1
2
0
1
1
4
1
Sophie Molineux 21/1(4)
12.6
2
Excellent stop! That ball was destined to go the fence but what a stop from the sweeper cover fielder. Full and outside off, Ghosh lofts it over extra cover. The ball is racing towards the fence but the fielder from sweeper cover moves to her right and makes an excellent stop. She flicks it back to mid-wicket running back and the duo saves a couple for its side.
12.5
.
Flatter and around off, Ghosh keeps it out.
12.4
1
Down the leg side again, Sharma sweeps it to fine leg for a single.
12.3
1
Full and outside off, Ghosh this time lobs it over cover for a single.
12.2
4
FOUR! Finally the ball finds the ropes. India have nothing to lose now. Full and just outside off, Ghosh lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.
12.1
1
Full and angling in, Deepti sweeps it towards deep square leg for a run.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
1
1
Delissa Kimmince 12/1(3)
11.6
.
Three dots to end as the last ball is played towards point.
11.5
.
On the shorter side again, it is slapped hard but straight to covers.
11.4
.
Good length and on off, it is pushed towards cover.
Concussion substitute Richa Ghosh replaces Veda Krishnamurthy in the middle.
11.3
W
OUT! TAKEN! A very good catch by Jonassen! India now have half the side back in the hut. It is a length delivery, Veda looks to go over mid off but once again the timing is not quite right. Jonassen takes a good catch as she needed to time her jump as the ball is above her head. Does so perfectly and takes it neatly.
11.2
1
Fuller and around off, it is whipped through mid-wicket for one.
11.1
1
Shorter in length, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
Update - Taniya Bhatia has failed the concussion test and another teenager Richa Ghosh has been named as the concussion substitute.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1
2
Nicola Carey 10/0(2)
10.6
.
Another dot! On a length again, this is guided towards point.
10.5
.
Shorter and around off, this is pushed towards cover.
10.4
1
Another single! On off, this is guided towards point for one.
10.3
1
Good length and around off, it is guided towards point.
10.2
1
A direct hit and that would have been a goner! Length and around off, it is guided towards point. The batter takes off. The fielder has a shy but misses.
10.1
2
Another couple! On the shorter side around middle, Veda pulls it through mid-wicket and takes two.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Sophie Molineux 12/1(3)
9.6
1
Well played but still no boundary! Veda comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head. The fielder at long on runs to her left and keeps it down to two.
9.5
.
Shortish and around off, it is cut towards point.
9.4
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. 50 up for India. A pretty laboured one.
9.3
1
This is fuller and on middle, it is eased down to long on for one.
9.2
1
Floats it up outside off, this is hit down to long on for one.
9.1
1
A full toss on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
Sophie Molineux is back on. 2-0-7-1 are her numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
4
1
1
Delissa Kimmince 10/0(2)
8.6
1
Full and on the pads, this time it is flicked down to deep square leg for a run.
8.5
.
Play and a miss! Shortish and just outside off again, Krishnamurthy looks to tap it on the off side off her back foot but she misses.
8.4
.
Short and around off, this time Krishnamurthy finds point.
8.3
4
FOUR! That is a welcome boundary for India and the fans will hope they break the shackles. Kimmince bowls it full and wide outside off, Krishnamurthy goes on the back foot and does really well to squeeze it past the short third man fielder for a boundary.
8.2
1
Flatter and outside off, driven to sweeper cover for a run.
8.1
1
Short and around off and middle, Krishnamurthy pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Kimmince is back on!
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
2
Nicola Carey 5/0(1)
7.6
.
Shorter and around off, this is guided to point. Another good over for Australia.
7.5
1
On a length and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
7.4
.
Fuller in length and outside off, Veda looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
7.3
1
On a length and around off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
7.2
1
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
7.1
2
A couple! Once again India struggling to hit the boundaries! On the pads, this is worked nicely towards deep backward square leg for two.
Nicola Carey into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
0
1
Sophie Molineux 7/1(2)
6.6
1
Tossed up on off, driven to long off for a single. Just 2 from the over.
6.5
.
Shortish and on off and middle, Krishnamurthy cuts it but finds short third man this time.
6.4
.
Flatter one on middle, pushed to mid-wicket for nothing.
6.3
.
Full and on middle, this time Krishnamurthy finds mid-wicket.
6.2
.
Full and around off, Krishnamurthy strokes it towards mid off and doesn't take a run.
6.1
1
Floated on middle, Sharma works it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.
Sophie Molineux is back on. 1-0-5-1 from her so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1wd
0W
4
0
0
Jess Jonassen 11/2(2)
5.6
.
Leading edge but safe! Jonassen floats it up on the pads, Veda looks to flick it against the turn. She gets a soft leading edge towards point. End of the Powerplay, it has been all Australia, India are 32 for 4.
5.5
1
A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
5.5
1wd
What was that? This is way down the leg side, almost outside the pitch. Deepti lets it be. Healy does well to dive and take it.
Veda Krishnamurthy joins Deepti Sharma in the middle.
5.4
W
OUT! KAUR HOLES OUT! That is probably the game for the hosts! They are absolutely ecstatic and rightly so. They have suffered in the hands of Kaur before but this time, no heroics. Kaur looks to step on the gas which she needs to. She brings out the slog sweep but hits it high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Gardner there makes no mistake.
5.3
4
FOUR! Up and over! India will hope this gets Kaur going. On off, Kaur lofts it over the cover fielder. The fielder there hares after it and slides but fails to pull it back.
5.2
.
Kaur comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of the ball. She pushes it to mid off.
5.1
.
Fires it on the pads, Kaur looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but it is turned down.
Jess Jonassen is back on. 1-0-5-1 from her so far.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
0
2
0
0
Delissa Kimmince 3/0(1)
4.6
.
On the shorter side and outside off, Sharma slaps it nicely but straight to cover-point.
4.6
1wd
WIDE! Well wide outside off, it is left alone. Wided.
4.5
.
On off, it is driven towards mid off.
4.4
.
Another shortish delivery around off, it is guided towards point.
4.3
2
Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards mid-wicket for a couple.
4.2
.
Good length and on off, it is guided towards point.
4.1
.
Shorter and around off, Sharma pushes it to covers.
Delissa Kimmince is on now.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
0W
Sophie Molineux 5/1(1)
3.6
.
Another dot for Kaur! This is floated up on off, it is driven to covers.
3.5
1
A single! Outside off, turning back in. Deepti sweeps it through mid-wicket for one.
3.4
.
Loopy ball on off, Deepti works it with the turn to mid-wicket.
3.3
.
Floated up outside off, Deepti opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
3.2
4
FOUR! Good start for Deepti! This is on the pads, she works it fine on the leg side and bags a boundary.
Deepti Sharma is in with her team under massive pressure.
3.1
W
OUT! In the air... taken! Mandhana has her head down and rightly so. India are crumbling at the moment. Three wickets in the Powerplay and not many teams win a game after losing that many in the first 6. It is a soft dismissal. It is tossed up on off, Mandhana looks to loft it over mid off but gets no power behind it. It is a straightforward chance for Carey who takes it.
Sophie Molineux to bowl now.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
4
1wd
Megan Schutt 13/1(2)
2.6
.
Two dots to end but a good over for India. On a length again, Kaur keeps it out nicely.
2.5
.
Good length and on off, it is kept out.
2.4
1
A single now, good batting! Shorter and around off, Mandhana guides it towards point for one.
2.3
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Slightly short and outside off, Mandhana waits for it and then guides it past backward point for another boundary. Second in the over.
2.2
.
Slightly shorter in length, not a lot of room on offer. SM looks to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side.
2.1
4
FOUR! Sloppy effort in the field that! Welcome boundary for India. They need a few more in the Powerplay! This is full and outside off, Mandhana lofts it over covers. There is a sweeper in the deep who runs to her left, dives and tries to push it back in but fails to do so.
2.1
1wd
WIDE! Way too far outside off, Mandhana lets it be.
Harmanpreet Kaur is in early.
In over# 1
0W
0
1
2wd
0
1
1
Jess Jonassen 5/1(1)
1.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! India two down! Australia dictating terms in this run chase. Full and around middle and leg, Rodrigues comes down the track and looks to clear mid on but fails to time it. It goes straight to Carey there and she gobbles it with ease. The Aussies right on top.
1.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
1.4
1
Dropped short, Mandhana pulls it to deep mid-wicket and takes a run.
1.4
2wd
WIDE! Down the leg side, Rodrigues looks to work it on the leg side but misses. It goes behind but Healy fails to collect. Had she collected, she could've got the chance of stumping Rodrigues. The ball deflects towards fine leg and a run is taken.
Jemimah Rodrigues replaces Bhatia.
The Indian physio comes charging in to check with Bhatia. Time for the mandatory concussion test. Well, Bhatia is going off.
1.3
.
Ouch! That is hit on the grill. A flatter ball around off and middle, Bhatia goes for the sweep but swings a little too early. She misses and gets hit on her grill. She looks a bit shaken.
1.2
1
Angled into the pads, Mandhana tucks it towards mid-wicket where the fielder fumbles and allows a single.
1.1
1
Floated around off, Bhatia comes down the track and pushes it to mid off for a single.
Jess Jonassen to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
0
2
Megan Schutt 3/1(1)
0.6
.
Timed nicely but excellent stop. Shortish and outside off, Mandhana stays on the back foot and cuts but can't beat the fielder at point.
0.5
1
In the air... but safe. Fuller and outside off, Bhatia lofts it wide of mid off and takes for a run. The fielder there does well to field it.
0.4
.
Full and around off, Bhatia pushes it towards covers.
Promotion! Taniya Bhatia has been sent up at number 3. The keeper goes back to the stumps.
0.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Shafali falls and Schutt is all pumped up. What a start for Australia. Excellent from Healy behind the wickets too. Schutt drops it short and just around off, Verma looks to cut it off the back foot really late but the ball takes a faint outside edge and goes behind. Healy with a safe pair of hands catches it. The bowler puts in a loud appeal and the umpire raises the finger. The 16-year-old makes her long walk back. An excellent tournament for her but she fails to put an impact in this grand final.
0.2
.
Full and just outside off, pushed towards covers.
0.1
2
WOW! What a start from Shafali! The teenager shows absolutely shows no nerves and launches the first ball she faces over the bowler's head. It goes little too high and drops near the ropes and just stops. Two taken.
We are back for the run chase! The Aussie women are in the huddle. They are getting the final advice from their skipper. Out come the two Indian openers, Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Megan Schutt with the ball first up. Alyssa Healy is up to the stumps. Here we go...
185 to win in a final. Will India pull out their best ever display to gun this down? Will Australia display better nerves than the Indians on the field? The run chase is about to begin...
Michael Clarke is having a chat with Beth Mooney. The opener says it is a great wicket and good cricket shots is the way to play out there. Further adds she started off slowly but once Healy got out, it was her turn to strike big. Mentions Healy takes off a lot of pressure off her and she is really good and is very happy for her. Ends by saying they would have taken 180 at the start of the day and feels they have enough on the board.
Save your best for the last, is the saying. And Alyssa Healy followed every piece of that saying. She was lucky, yes, but made full use of the luck that she got. She started off well in the Powerplay but the middle overs were where she went berserk. Australia scored 93/0 from overs 7-15 and of those, Healy hammered 45 from 18 balls, before getting out on the 19th. Beth Mooney complimented her nicely and stayed unbeaten. India did well to pull things back, conceding just 42/3 in the last 5 overs.
Hmmm.... talking about nerves. Well, India displayed plenty of those. They started poorly, dropping Alyssa Healy in the very first over and then followed it up with another dropped catch of Beth Mooney. The fielding was very poor and that literally allowed Australia to get away. The bowling was not all that bad but because of the poor fielding, the bowlers could never get set and maintain any sort of pressure. The two Yadavs still did decently, with combined figures of 8-0-64-2.
What is a par score then? Well, looking at this World Cup, 130. But this pitch looks really good for batting and 175 can be considered as a par score. So India will not feel really bad, given that this is still chaseable. And do not forget - this is a final. So nerves will be there in the Australian camp as well.
Well, that is a commanding total but India have done really well to pull things back. At one stage, when Healy was going berserk, 200 looked to be on the cards. But some smart death bowling has ensured that India have conceded just around a par score here.
19.6
1b
A bye to finsih! Slower through the air on middle, Carey looks to slog it over mid-wicket but fails to connect. Bhatia too fails to collect and they run through a bye as the ball goes towards short third man. Australia finish with 184/4.
19.5
.
Full and outside off, Carey looks to reverse sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. A dot.
19.4
4
FOUR! Radha drops it short and Carey finds the gap at deep mid-wicket. She quickly goes on the back foot and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence powerfully.
19.3
1
Full and just outside off, Mooney finds long off and only a run.
19.2
1
Only a single again as Carey fails to hammer this full ball down the leg side towards the fine leg fence as it is mistimed towards short fine leg.
19.1
1
Full and just outside off, Mooney drills it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Radha Yadav to bowl the final over.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
1
3
4
Poonam Yadav 30/1(4)
18.6
.
Slower through the air and outside off, Carey mistimes it towards point. 9 and a wicket from the penultimate over.
Nicola Carey walks in next.
18.5
W
OUT! Thumped into the timber! Fuller and outside off, Haynes moves towards the off side and looks to hammer it over fine leg but she ends up demolishing her own stumps as she gets a bottom edge to it.
18.4
1
Full and outside off, Mooney sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
18.3
1
Short and on middle, Haynes pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.2
3
Three now! This is smart and excellent stuff from the Aussies. Haynes made Mooney to run the third on the throw. A full toss outside off, Mooney looks to reverse sweep but the ball hits the toe end and goes towards third man. The fielder quickly gets to the ball and fires the throw to the keeper. She whips the bails off but Haynes made in with a dive.
18.1
4
FOUR! Excellent start to the over for Australia and it is excellent batting from Mooney. Full and on middle, Mooney sits down and hammers it to deep mid-wicket fence.
Poonam Yadav to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-21-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
2
4
1
1
1
Shikha Pandey 52/0(4)
17.6
1
Full and on middle, Mooney flicks it to deep mid-wicket and takes a run. 10 from the over.
17.5
2
A couple now as Mooney works this ball down to deep square leg for a single.
17.4
4
FOUR! Excellent adjustment from Mooney! Full and outside off, Haynes first looks to paddle but Pandey bowls it wide outside off, Mooney adjusts well and scoops it over the keeper for a boundary.
17.3
1
Full and outside off, Haynes strokes it towards long off and takes a run. The throw from long off comes and hits the stumps as the ball deflects towards mid-wicket. They think of an overthrow but decides against it.
17.2
1
Full and outside off, this one is drilled to long off for a run by Mooney.
17.1
1
Full and around off, Haynes drives it to mid off for a quick run.
Shikha Pandey to bowl out. 3-0-42-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
0W
2
0
0W
0
Deepti Sharma 38/2(4)
16.6
1
Misfield and run! Poor effort from Shafali. Short and outside off, Mooney pushes it towards point where Shafali fails to field and allows a single on the last ball of the over. 23 runs and 2 wickets from it. This can be the momentum -changing over.
Rachael Haynes walks in.
16.5
W
OUT! STUMPED! Two in the over now and Gardner falls. Excellent from Deepti and Bhatia. She sees Gardner comes down the track and looks to loft it over long off but Deepti drops it flat and short. Gardner fails to connect. Bhatia behind the wicket collects the ball and whips the stumps quickly.
16.4
2
This is excellent running between the wicket. Slower through the air and on middle, Gardner tucks it towards long on and scampers back for a couple. She worked it with gentle hands and returns for two.
16.3
.
That is a beauty! Sharma bowls this slower through the air and bowls it just outside off, it turns a hint away as Gardner pokes at it to get beaten.
Ashleigh Gardner is in now.
16.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! There's the second wicket. Lanning, the skipper departs now. It is shortish ball on middle and off, Lanning gets a long way across and looks to pull. But the ball hits the upper part of the willow and lobs to Shikha Pandey at square leg. She makes no mistake and sends Lanning back to the pavilion. Chance for the Indians to stem the run flow and keep Australia to as low a total as possible.
16.1
.
Slower through the air and on middle, Lanning waits for the ball and then cuts it to find point.
Deepti Sharma to bowl out. 3-0-35-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
4
4
Radha Yadav 27/1(3)
15.6
1
Tossed up just outside off, Lanning drives it down to long off for a single. 12 runs from the over.
15.5
1
Full and outside off, Mooney strokes it to wide long on for a single.
15.4
1
Full and just outside off, it is driven to long off for a single.
15.3
1
Full and on middle, this one is swept to short fine leg for a single.
Alyssa Healy is on the mic. Feels really special that she could play this kind of an innings in the final. Is confident that they can get to 200 from here as it looks a very good batting wicket.
15.2
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries. 150 up for Australia. Full and just around off, Mooney gets in position and hammers it between the gap at deep mid-wicket and long on.
15.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Floated ball outside off, Mooney shimmies down the track and lofts it over extra cover for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
1
1
2
1wd
1
1
Poonam Yadav 21/0(3)
14.6
.
Tossed up ball outside off, Lanning comes down the track and looks to push it towards covers but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
14.5
1
FIFTY FOR MOONEY! Her 9th in T20Is. She has done really well and now will look to break free. Short and wide outside off, Mooney pushes it towards wide long off for a single.
14.4
1
Floated on off, Lanning pushes it towards the off side for a quick run.
14.3
2
Shortish and outside off, Lanning cuts it through point for a couple of runs. Excellent running between the wickets.
14.3
1wd
WIDE! Down the leg side, Lanning looks to pull but misses. Wided.
14.2
1
Another tossed up ball around off, Mooney comes down the track and eases a single down to long off.
14.1
1
Loopy full ball just outside off, Lanning drives it to long off for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
2
1
4
1
Deepti Sharma 35/0(3)
13.6
.
Landed outside off, Beth looks to cut but gets a bottom edge.
13.5
4
FOUR! Lovely shot. Full and outside off, Mooney lofts it over cover for a boundary!
13.4
2
Full and outside off, Mooney drives this through the covers for a couple. Excellent diving stop by Smriti Mandhana at the boundary.
13.3
1
Full and outside off, driven wide of long off for a run.
13.2
4
FOUR! Cracking shot. Short and outside off, Lanning rocks back and cuts it through point for a boundary!
13.1
1
Short and outside off, slapped to deep point for a single.
Deepti Sharma is back on.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
0
4
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 29/0(4)
12.6
.
Tossed up ball on off, Lanning comes forward and keeps it out. Good over for India though as just 6 runs off it.
12.5
1
Outside off on a shorter length again, Mooney strokes it through covers for a single.
12.4
1
Slightly shorter in length and around off, Lanning pushes it towards point for a quick one.
12.3
.
Shortish and around off, pushed towards the off side.
12.2
.
Shortish and around off, this one is cut towards point.
12.1
4
FOUR! Excellent effort from Rodrigues but she fails to save the run. Short and on middle, Lanning moves inside her crease and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Rodrigues from that position runs to her right, covers a lot of ground and dives to save the ball. She pulls it back in but there is no one to her support as the ball keeps going away from her and eventually it touches the ropes before she can get up and get to the ball one more time.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad to bowl her last over. 3-0-23-0 from her so far.
In over# 1
2
0
0W
0
1
0
Radha Yadav 15/1(2)
11.6
2
A couple to end but more than that they have got rid of Healy in this over. Radha bowls the last ball down the leg side. Mooney helps it to deep square leg via a pull and scampers back for a couple.
11.5
.
Full and outside off, Mooney comes down the track and drives it to covers.
Skipper, Meg Lanning, walks in next.
11.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Healy holes out but what a knock from her. She tries to clear long on once again but Radha gives this ball a lot of flight and bowls it slower through the air. All Healy can manage is balloon it to Veda Krishnamurthy at long on. She is safe as house there. The Indians get the wicket they were so desperate for.
11.3
.
She skips down the track and pushes this full ball to mid-wicket.
11.2
1
Radha floats this slower through the air and outside off, Mooney eases a single down to long off. Healy on strike. What will she do?
11.1
.
Full and on the pads, Mooney flicks but finds square leg.
In over# 1
0
6
6
6
1
4
Shikha Pandey 42/0(3)
10.6
.
Shortish and around off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run. 23 from the over, a massive one for the Aussies.
10.5
6
SIX! Hat-trick of sixes from Healy! Shikha Pandey is getting pummeled here. Full and outside off, Healy launches it over extra cover for another half a dozen. Indians are looking clueless at the moment.
10.4
6
SIX! Make that second six of the over. Healy is on fire here. A length ball just outside off, this time Healy hammers it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
10.3
6
SIX! Just over long on! This is an excellent stroke from Healy. Shikha bowls this full ball in the arch of Healy, she slams it over long on for a maximum.
10.2
1
A single now as Mooney pushes it towards point and takes a quick run.
10.1
4
FOUR! Nicely driven! Shikha starts with a fuller ball outside off, Mooney stays on the back foot and drives it with an open bat face. The ball races away to the fence beating third man's chase.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
3nb
4
1
Radha Yadav 12/0(1)
9.6
1
Short and outside off, cut through point for another single.
9.5
1
Landed outside off, dabbed to short third man for one.
9.4
1
Full and outside off, Mooney comes down the track and drives it to long on for a run.
9.3
1
Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
FREE HIT TIME.
9.3
3nb
NO BALL! Called by the third umpire. Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple.
9.2
4
FOUR! Fine way to get to your half century! Full and around off, Healy comes down the track and lofts it over the bowler. Long on gets across to her left, stretches out her left hand but cannot stop the ball. The ball races through.
9.1
1
Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
Radha Yadav to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
0
1wd
1
1
4
1
Poonam Yadav 14/0(2)
8.6
1
Outside off, punched off the back foot for a run.
8.5
.
Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
8.5
1wd
WIDE. That is a harsh call. The wrong 'un, outside off, Mooney looks to cut but misses. That was close to the wide call.
8.4
1
Comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for one more.
8.3
1
Full and outside off, driven towards long off for a run.
8.2
4
FOUR! Fine shot. Full and around off, Mooney comes down the track and swings it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
8.1
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
6
6
2
1
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 23/0(3)
7.6
1
Full and outside off, slogged towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
7.5
.
Comes down the track and hammers it straight back to the bowler. Good stop.
7.4
6
SIX! Mistimed, but it will clear long on! Healy is throwing everything at the ball here. Does not care that she is set, she has come out with a plan to just attack. Does not matter even if she gets out, at least, that is what it seems. Full and around middle, Healy comes down the track, looks to go big but is not to the pitch of the ball. Mistimes it big time and gets more height than distance. But luckily for her, it sails over long on.
7.3
6
SIX! CLOUT! Full and around off, Healy comes down the track and swings it as clean as a whistle, over mid-wicket!
7.2
2
Full and outside off, Healy comes down the track, looks to go inside out, but miscues it over cover. Harmanpreet Kaur runs back but cannot get there. Two runs taken.
7.1
1
Short and outside off, punched towards point for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
1
Poonam Yadav 5/0(1)
6.6
1
Full and outside off, driven towards long off for one more. 5 singles from Poonam's opener.
6.5
1
Outside off, Healy looks to cut but gets a bottom edge towards cover. A run taken.
6.4
1
Short and outside off, cut towards point where a misfield costs a single.
6.3
.
Full and around off, takes ages to arrive, Mooney just about defends.
6.2
1
Comes down the track, reaches out to take the dipping ball on the full and sweeps it towards long on for a run.
6.1
1
Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 50-RUN OPENING STAND IS UP!
Here comes the game-changer. Poonam Yadav gets the ball.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 7/0(2)
5.6
1
Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a run to make it 49/0 in the Powerplay.
5.5
.
Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
5.4
1
Short and outside off, punched straight to cover. Still, a quick single taken.
5.3
.
Full and around off, Healy cannot get any room to work with and is forced to defend.
5.2
.
Outside off, punched straight to cover.
5.1
.
How did that miss the stumps? Slow, slower, slowest through the air, around off, Healy goes back and looks to punch but misses. The ball goes past the outside edge and shaves the off stump!
In over# 1
4
4
0
1
1
0
Shikha Pandey 19/0(2)
4.6
4
FOUR! SWEET! Full and outside off, Mooney leans and drives this through the covers. So 2 runs from the first 4 balls, becomes 10 from the over.
4.5
4
MISFIELD, FOUR! Outside off, Mooney dabs it slightly wide of short third man, to the fielder's right. Poonam Yadav dives but the ball sneaks through.
4.4
.
Landed outside off, dabbed straight to short third man.
4.3
1
Excellent fielding by Smriti Mandhana. Saved four. Full and outside off, Healy leans and drives it through the covers but Mandhana dives to her right and makes a half-stop. Just a single taken.
4.2
1
Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single.
4.1
.
Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
Change of ends for Shikha Pandey. 1-0-9-0 so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
4
0
Rajeshwari Gayakwad 5/0(1)
3.6
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
3.5
1
Comes down the track and eases this down to long on for a single.
3.4
.
Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
3.3
.
DROPPED! Another sitter goes down. Full on middle, Beth comes down the track and chips it straight back to the bowler. Gayakwad gets down to catch but cannot hold on.
3.2
4
FOUR! That is her bread and butter. Full and outside off, Mooney reaches out and lofts it over cover for a boundary!
3.1
.
Beauty. Full and outside off, Mooney looks to run it down to third man but is beaten for pace.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad to bowl now.
In over# 1
4
1
1
2
0
1
Deepti Sharma 23/0(2)
2.6
4
FOUR! Down the leg side, wrong line, Healy looks to sweep but misses. Does not matter. The ball takes the inside edge and rolls past the keeper to the fine leg fence.
2.5
1
Excellent cricket. This is very slow through the air, outside off, fuller in length. Nothing much the batter can do. But she does one incredible thing. Taps it right back to the bowler and guess what, she takes the single! All of that is due to the intimidation created in that opening over. All the fielders are back, hence, no one is close enough to stop the run.
2.4
1
Comes down the track and hits this down the ground for a run.
2.3
2
Short and outside off, Alyssa goes back, waits for the ball and pulls it over short mid-wicket for a couple.
2.2
.
Again, no pace, short in length, outside off, spinning in, Healy works it towards square leg. Wants a single but is sent back.
2.1
1
Very slow through the air, full and outside off, tapped towards cover for a quick single.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
4
1
Shikha Pandey 9/0(1)
1.6
.
Full and outside off, AH drives this through cover-point but Jemimah Rodrigues at that position dives to her left and stops the ball.
1.5
4
FOUR! Just over! Landed outside off, on a length, plenty of width. Healy uses all of that width and slaps it over cover. Deepti Sharma leaps at that position but the ball clears her.
1.4
.
Around off, on a length, watchfully defended.
1.3
.
Full and wide outside off, Alyssa looks to drive but misses. There is a noise but no one appeals. Perhaps the bat hit the ground.
1.2
4
FOUR! Up and over! Full and outside off, Healy lofts this over mid off and clears the fielder comfortably.
1.1
1
Full and down the leg side, Mooney misses her flick. The ball goes off her pads through square leg and a single is taken. No signal, so must have been some inside edge.
Shikha Pandey to share the new-ball attack.
In over# 1
4
0
4
1
1
4
Deepti Sharma 14/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! 14 from the opening over of the final. Full and outside off, Healy plays this along the ground between extra cover and cover point. Finds the gap and the fence.
0.5
.
DROPPED! That was a sitter. Full and outside off, Healy comes down the track and hits it straight to Shafali Verma at short extra cover. She gets ready to take the catch and the ball goes straight in - but then pops out.
0.4
4
FOUR! Deft touch! Landed outside off, a touch wide, Healy rocks back and steers it between short third man and backward point. The former dives to her right but the ball goes past!
0.3
1
Third full toss on the trot, looped up outside off, pushed down to long on for a run.
0.2
1
Comes down the track again, gets another full toss, but mistimes this hit towards long on for a single.
0.1
4
FOUR! CLUNK! Confident start from Healy. Comes down the track, gets a full toss and swings it over short mid-wicket, beating deep mid-wicket and wide long on!
Advance Australia Fair is done and it is time now to advance to the game! India get into a huddle. Out come Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, to huge roars from the crowd. There is some confusion as to who will take the strike first. Eventually, both batters come to one conclusion and it will be Alyssa Healy to face the first ball. India start with spin. Deepti Sharma to start off proceedings. Here we go!
Time for the national anthems. India's first.
It is time for a local aboriginal welcome. The customary tradition.
Alyssa Healy has a chat with Lisa Sthalekar. Smiles and says that this is a massive emotional moment and it is an incredible day, being so much more than just a game of cricket. Focusing on the match, does not feel that winning the toss necessarily means an advantage to Australia. Believes that two good teams are playing and Australia would have to play really well to win. Feels that the conditions are good for batting and is eager to get out there and have a crack. On any potential mindset change for this game, Alyssa bluntly says - NOT ONE BIT. Believes in the policy of playing one's natural game, irrespective of the situation.
PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop feels that the pitch looks rock hard with some nice grass rolled on it. Feels that the ball will skid on but is not sure how much will the ball spin. Nasser Hussain agrees with Bishop that the ball will come on to the bat nicely.
India Women (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Taniya Bhatia (WK), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Veda Krishnamurthy, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad.
Australia Women (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Alyssa Healy(WK), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning(C), Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Molineux, Nicola Carey, Jess Jonassen, Georgia Wareham, Delissa Kimmince and Megan Schutt.
Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, is wished happy birthday. Says that she would also have batted first but is quite confident while chasing. Adds that if her bowlers restrict Australia to a small total, it is good for India. Admits that due to the rain, they could not practice but says that the team gelled nicely by spending time with one another. Adds that this is a big game but the girls are confident.
Australian captain, Meg Lanning, says that it looks like a really good wicket, the crowd is amazing and is looking forward to it. Says that they are ready as they have got be. Understands that they have to beat India and the crowd. Informs that they are going unchanged from the previous game.
TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin for the final time in the tournament. (Ignore the Sangakkara-Dhoni blip in the 2011 event). Normally, the team reaching the final first is the home team but because Australia are playing, Meg Lanning gets the opportunity to toss the coin. Heads is the call from Harmanpreet Kaur, but Tails it is. AUSTRALIA WILL BAT FIRST.
WEATHER - What happens if it rains? Will India lift the trophy because of dominant league performance? Not really. The cup will be shared if we cannot get a match or even a Super Over. But why think negative? There is not a cloud in the sky. And there is no invitation sent to the rain gods either. The weather is as good as it can possibly be and conditions are perfect for cricket. So no need for Lewis. Or Duckworth. Or Stern.
Hmmm... what do we mean by not playing the best quality of cricket? Let us rewind. India have won 4 league matches, Australia won 3. But both sides will agree that they have not played their best cricket. India could have lost to Australia, Bangladesh and even New Zealand. But they held their nerves better. Same with Australia. They were 10/3 against Sri Lanka and could have been knocked out at that stage itself, but somehow, they have managed to make it through, just about holding their nerves better slightly than the opponents they faced. So then, does this mean we can expect the best performance of the tournament from each side? Let us hope for a cracking game of cricket.
International Women's Day! And World Cup Final Day for the Eves! Any better way to celebrate? Perhaps not. Two teams are there in the final, though not necessarily by playing the best quality of cricket but they are there! Hello and a warm welcome to one of the biggest days in Women's Cricket. India and Australia clash today at one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic stadiums in the world - the MCG - Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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