The rain in Colombo and a predictable group stage made for a lackluster tournament, missing the surprises that often define World Cups. One of the biggest missed moments was Pakistan potentially beating England, which could have changed the tournament’s landscape.
After a slow start, the matches really heated up during the knockout rounds. In a standout performance, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt scored a spectacular 169 runs, and teammate Marizanne Kapp took 5 wickets for just 20 runs, turning their fortunes around from an earlier match where they were bowled out for only 69. This marked a major turning point for the team.
The semifinals showcased incredible talent, with four centuries hit, including two more from Wolvaardt, alongside Phoebe Litchfield and Jemimah Rodrigues. These performances highlighted how far women’s cricket has come and proved the players could shine on the biggest stage.
India’s victory over defending champions Australia was thrilling. They chased a record 339 runs, reigniting hope among fans after a disappointing group stage. The atmosphere was electric, with fans lining up outside the stadium long before the final match. Vendors sold merchandise, and excitement built with the presence of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who spoke to the team before the match and carried the trophy onto the field.
Emotions ran high, as noted by cricket commentator Wakankar. Many fans struggled to get tickets, underscoring just how much interest there was in the event.
After the match, Indian players celebrated, wearing jerseys emblazoned with “Champions.” Cricket legends Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj joined the celebrations, and plans for a victorious parade in Mumbai are underway, allowing more fans to share in the glory.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the team captain, summed it up perfectly: “This is not the end, this is just the beginning.” The future looks bright for women’s cricket, and the energy from fans and players alike signals that even bigger moments are on the horizon.
As the sport evolves, statistics show a growing fanbase and increasing viewership. A recent report from the ICC indicated that viewership for women’s cricket tournaments has risen by 50% in the last two years, reflecting a significant shift in public interest.
The passionate engagement of fans and the emergence of new stars demonstrate that women’s cricket is more than a sport; it’s becoming a movement. For more insights and statistics, check out the ICC’s official report here.
