Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma's superb all-round showing powered India to a historic first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title after they outclassed South Africa by 52 runs in the final.
From travelling in unreserved coaches to cusp of history, Indian women's cricket set to turn a page
When there was constant criticism, Harman and Smriti kept the team together: Neetu David
I'd like India to have extra bowling depth against Australia: Ian bishop
Ian Grobbelaar struck twice, including a decisive penalty corner in the dying minutes, as Australia pipped India 2-1 to win their third Sultan of Johor Cup under-21 hockey title in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Saturday.
For India, the battle is no longer about proving skill or form, but about crossing the elusive final hurdle that has so often tripped them -- including in this very tournament.
If VVS Laxman is to be believed MS Dhoni and Co have a great chance of causing an upset in their upcoming tour Down Under.
The aura of home advantage -- long regarded as a hallmark of India's Test side -- seemed secure. But in barely over a year, that fortress has not just cracked, it has collapsed, raising uncomfortable questions about strategy, selection, and temperament.
Kuldeep slips to third in ODI rankings, Maharaj regains top spot
Jemimah Rodrigues produced a sensational knock that included 14 fours as India pulled off the biggest successful chase in women's ODI history with nine balls to spare.
Harmanpreet Kaur's side would become the fourth team to book the semifinal berth if they get the better of the White Ferns here on the familiar mat of the DY Patil Stadium.
The Women in Blue did more than just win a trophy -- they proved that hard work, and believing in themselves, can turn failure into success.
Women's cricket is no longer a career option, it would be a calling for the millions of girls, whose parents have remained sceptical about their daughters dreaming about wearing India Blues.
'I definitely believe the kind of form he is in, the way he is batting, it will strengthen the Indian batting line-up.'
Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, may have expressed support for the Kolkata pitch, but it continues to draw criticism from all quarters.
Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten century, while Virat Kohli returned to form with a fluent fifty as India cruised to an emphatic nine-wicket victory in the inconsequential third and final ODI against Australia.
India will have a final opportunity to iron out any flaws, especially when responding to pressure situations, when they take on Bangladesh in their concluding fixture ahead of Women's World Cup semi-finals, in Navi Mumbai, on Sunday.
'There will be a lot of spice to the contest -- there is a reason India is the only team other than England against whom Australia is keen to play a five Test series.' 'I'll watch, as I suspect most fans will -- but this one time, I'll watch with considerable trepidation and, from a fan's point of view, with the hope that the team finds its feet and that right quick,' notes the distinguished cricket commentator Prem Panicker.
The 26 year old rued the dropped catches, which ultimately cost India the match and the series.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was at a loss for words after her team stormed into the Women's ODI World Cup final but she did make a point to say that the players have already set their sights on the summit clash and are determined to "give their best" against first-timers South Africa.
'I knew the finger was broken but I told the physio that I don't want to take any painkillers.' 'I was in very good rhythm and I just wanted to carry on.'
India have a mounting worry in the lack of runs so far from talismanic Smriti Mandhana, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and the energetic Jemimah Rodrigues.
India captain Shubman Gill admitted that dropped catches and a total which was just adequate cost his side dearly as Australia clinched the ODI series with a disciplined all-round performance in Adelaide on Thursday.
It's good, pressure is not only around cricket but also for World Cup final tickets: Harmanpreet
Ace spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that beating the Australians in the tri-series in Malaysia will give India the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions Trophy and World Cup.
India 'A' gained psychological advantage ahead of the final after beating Australia 'A' by three wickets in an inconsequential last league match of the ODI tri-series in Chennai on Wednesday. The home team overhauled the Australians' target of 272 with four overs to spare under overcast conditions largely due to some useful partnerships in the middle overs.
For spin great Neetu David it was a culmination of a lifelong dream -- to see the India women's team finally end their wait for a World title.
Chamari Athapaththu blames defeats to India, England for Women's World Cup setback
Amol Muzumdar never experienced the highs of an India cricketer but now he is a World Cup winning head coach -- only the third in the history of Indian cricket after Gary Kirsten and Rahul Dravid.
India overpowered New Zealand by 53 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method to seal their place in the semi-finals of the Women's ODI World Cup.
South Africa's leading paceman Kagiso Rabada says it is time to move on from the euphoria of beating Australia in the World Test Championship final while admitting a belated major trophy success has come as a relief to his team.
Shubman Gill's toss woes continued as England opted to bowl in the fifth and final Test at The Oval on Thursday.
In a rain-marred contest at Canberra, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav lit up the night with a couple of towering sixes - enough to take him into an elite club of T20I power-hitters, becoming only the second Indian after Rohit Sharma to reach 150 sixes in the format.
'His free-spirited character perfectly matches T20 cricket's essence, it's about freedom and expression.'
Australia will have to dust off the cobwebs but are still fancied to successfully defend their World Test Championship crown against equally ring-rusty South Africa in the final at Lord's.
Mumbai off to flourishing start in SMAT, beat Railways by 7 wickets
'My motivation is to stay fit and be available for Indian team.'
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad was overwhelmed to see his spinners rule the roost in the first Test against India at the Eden Gardens, signalling to him that the Rainbow Nation is no longer an exclusive "fast bowling country" and hoped that a lot more slow bowlers will emerge.
Manoj Tiwary bagged five wickets as India 'A' beat Australia 'A' by five wickets, at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin on Thursday, two days ahead of the Quadrangular series final between the two teams.
Their campaign in disarray, Sri Lanka will hope for some respite as they seek a maiden win in the women's World Cup when they take on another struggling outfit in Bangladesh, in Navi Mumbai on Monday.
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