Indian eves eye slice of history

London: History beckons the Indian women’s cricket team when it takes on England in the ICC World Cup final in London on Sunday, aiming to cap a fairytale run with a maiden title triumph and put some past demons to rest.

The Mithali Raj-led squad has been living a dream so far in the tournament, the biggest moment of which has been the 36-run win over six-time champions Australia in the semifinals.

And the side will look to ensure that its gritty campaign reaches the logical conclusion after putting in the hard yards consistently in the tournament.

India’s best performance in the event has been a runners-up finish in the 2005 edition, where the team had lost to Australia in the final. With Australia out of the way now, Sunday could prove to be the moment that changes the course of women’s cricket in India.

It was at this historic Lord’s cricket ground, where the men’s team took its game-changing world title in 1983 with an upset win over the invincible West Indies and gradually grew into a cricketing and financial powerhouse in the world.

A win on Sunday has the potential to do the same for women’s cricket in India, where they have had to arrange funds for overseas tours in the past.

“We are all very excited to be part of the World Cup final,” Mithali said.England, after losing to India in the tournament-opener, have regrouped well, peaking at the right time. And It will not be easy for India to replicate the show.
England qualified for the final with a dramatic two-wicket win over South Africa.

Wicket-keeper-batter Sarah Taylor and Natalie Sciver have been crucial cogs in the wheel for them.Captain Heather Knight believes her side has more to offer and might just hit the peak in the summit clash.