This will be the third time India’s women’s cricket team will appear in the finale of the ODI World Cup

The Indian women’s cricket team scripted history when they chased down the highest run target in women’s ODI history to defeat Australia in the semi-final of the tournament. With the win, the team will appear in the final to take on South Africa, who will play their maiden ODI World Cup final.

 (Credit- InsideSport)

For the record, this is India’s third appearance in the ODI World Cup final, following its first appearance in 2005 and its second in 2017. Here’s a look back at what happened in those finals.

2005 vs. Australia

Similar to men’s cricket, the India and Australia women's teams go back decades, having played their first game in 1978. Since then, the two sides have played 61 games against each other, with Australia winning 49 and India emerging victorious in only 12 matches. In short, similar to men, Australia’s women also have an upper hand over India.

After Sourav Ganguly & team’s defeat in 2003 against Australia, it was the Indian women, captained by the legendary Mithali Raj, who faltered against the Aussies in their first-ever final. Batting first, Karen Rolton ran riot against the Indian bowlers, scoring 107 runs that helped Australia post a target of 215 runs.

In response, India scored only 117 runs, with Anju Jain and Amita Sharma scoring the slightly noticeable 29 and 22 runs, respectively. India lost the game by 98 runs.

2017 vs. England

It took India 12 years to reach another final, the second time against England in the latter’s backyard. In 12 years, Indian cricket underwent massive changes, and their progress was evident in the finale. Even though the team lost to England, the Women in Blue lost by merely nine runs. Whether it was restricting England to 228 or chasing the target, which could’ve been better and was doable, the Indian players tried and gave their best, only falling short by inches.

A miracle on the cards?

Up next, India’s third final is against South Africa, a team that currently stands third on the ICC ODI Rankings, but let’s not forget that India is in second position. Moving on to head-to-head in ODIs, India enjoys an upper hand over the Proteas with 20 victories out of 34 matches played between the two sides. Not to forget, out of the last five ODI matches India played against South Africa, the Women in Blue won four.

So, the bottom line is that India, playing at home and with an edge over South Africa, has the better chance of lifting the World Cup title. Will it be the third time’s charm? We certainly hope so!