If the men of 1983 gave India a reason to dream, the women of 2025 could give it something rarer -- the courage to live that dream in full daylight, under an open sky that finally belongs to them, points out Prem Panicker.
With the WPL finding its pride of place in the calendar, India can be at the forefront of where women's cricket can potentially reach, legendary New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine said.
Birthday wishes poured in on social media from the cricketing world for India's young batting star Smriti Mandhana, who turned 24, on Saturday, July 18.
India defeated South Africa by 23 runs in a women's Tri-Nation ODI series match, setting up a title clash with Sri Lanka.
Malhotra said India will be strong contenders to land the title in the showpiece, citing the right blend of youth and experience in the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad.
IMAGES from the Women's Premier League match played between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday
A superb 84-ball 102 from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and a splendid 6-52 from young pacer Kranti Goud helped India Women steer to a sensational 13-run win in the final ODI against England to clinch the three-match series 2-1 at Chester-le-Street, Durham, on Tuesday.
Indian opener Shafali Verma rewrote history books today, smashing the fastest double century in women's Test cricket.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's sturdy middle-order, in-form skipper Smriti Mandhana and a partisan home crowd will be the major challenges UP Warriorz will have to contend with when the two teams clash in the Women's Premier League match in Bengaluru on Monday.
Nilakshika Silva's blistering 33-ball 56 powered Sri Lanka to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the women's Tri-series, ending a seven-year losing streak against their rivals.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made a 48-ball 42 before Richa Ghosh sealed the chase with a six off Tumi Sekhukhune in the 41st over. India won with 56 balls to spare.
Jemimah Rodrigues struck a sensational century as hosts India reached the ICC Women's World Cup Final with a magical run-chase against Australia
Richa Ghosh (54) equalled the world record for the fastest fifty in women's T20Is (18 balls) after Smriti Mandhana's (77) fireworks as India registered 217 for 4 in the series-deciding third and final match against the West Indies here on Thursday.
Mandhana moves up to 6th, Harmapreet drops to 8th in ICC women's ODI rankings
Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored fine unbeaten half-centuries as India defeated the West Indies by 56 runs to keep their slate clean in the women's T20I Tri-Series, in East London (South Africa) on Monday.
India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are coming into the showpiece event on the back of a hard-fought ODI series loss to Australia, where opener Smriti Mandhana slammed two back-to-back centuries and the spinners, led by Deepti Sharma, giving a good account of themselves.
India's women cricketers did not play for 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandhana, however, has no issues with the busier schedule that she is having to deal with.
The Ireland women's team has never beaten India in the 12 ODIs they have played against them.
Smarting from their dramatic Super Over loss in the Women's Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to get back on track when they take on bottom-placed Gujarat Giants in Bengaluru on Thursday.
India's recent run of victories has bolstered confidence but the women's selection panel, headed by Neetu David, will face some tricky questions on the inclusion of Shafali Verma and pacer Renuka Thakur when it meets in Mumbai on Tuesday to pick the squad for the ODI World Cup.
Stokes is also among the Test Cricket of the Year nominees alongside compatriot Jonny Bairstow, Australia opener Usman Khawaja and South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada.
Mandhana has established herself as among the best batters in the world in recent years.
Mandhana said each tournament since the last few months has been a step towards preparation for the World T20 scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year.
UP Warriorz, facing elimination in the Women's Premier League, will aim to spoil Royal Challengers Bangalore's playoff hopes in a crucial encounter on Saturday.
'After further assessment, Smriti was diagnosed with a mild soft tissue injury to her left earlobe which caused discomfort while batting and therefore she had to leave the field retired hurt.'
Anushka Sharma, Sakshi Singh Dhoni cheered on their better halves from the stands along with other celebrities including IPL legend Chris Gayle.
Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues were among the overseas players retained by their respective franchises
South Africa bounced back to defeat India by 12 runs in the first women's T20I to secure their first win of the multi-format tour
The other winners from Asia are Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne and Afghanistan Rashid Khan.
Deepti Sharma breaks into the top-five of the latest ICC ODI Women's all-rounders rankings.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be determined to give their home fans a parting victory when they take on a fatigued Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru on Saturday, before the Women's Premier League moves to Lucknow for its third leg.
Jasprit Bumrah added another feather to his hat when he was on Tuesday named the 'ICC Men's Player of the Month for June'.
England's decision to bat first on Tuesday night backfired as Indian bowlers raised their performance by a notch
Harmanpreet Kaur was on Thursday retained as India captain for the three Women's ODIs against New Zealand while the selectors also picked four uncapped players for the series starting October 24.
Perry (57, 34b, 6x4, 2x6) and Ghosh (64 not out, 27b, 7x4, 4x6) were in sublime touch as defending champions RCB scaled down the target of 202 with ease in the tournament opener.
Mandhana shared a picture of Pakistan captain and her daughter, with the Indian women's team
Among the all-rounders, Deepti Sharma retained her fourth spot with 359 points in the list headed by Ellyse Perry of Australia with 460 points.
India opener Smriti Mandhana and all-rounder Deepti Sharma have moved up a place each to attain career-best second spot in the batters and bowlers' charts of the latest ICC women's T20I player rankings.
Smriti Mandhana has reached a career-best 741 points as she continues to maintain her third position
Harmanpreet was signed by Trent Rockets at The Hundred draft held on Thursday
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances