Explore Business Standard
ICC Women's World Cup
India on Sunday raised a toast to the women's cricket team after its historic World Cup victory, with leading sports personalities and political figures calling it a "defining" moment that could inspire an entire generation. It was a watershed moment for Indian women's cricket as years of toil and near-misses culminated in an evening of redemption and history, with the team defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final to become only the fourth side to lift the ODI title. "1983 inspired an entire generation to dream big and chase those dreams. Today, our Women's Cricket Team has done something truly special," cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on 'X'. "They have inspired countless young girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball, take the field and believe that they too can lift that trophy one day. "This is a defining moment in the journey of Indian women's cricket. Well done, Team India. You've made the whole nation proud." Calling it an iconic moment, Sports Ministe
South Africa will hope to address their batting frailties against spin and produce a solid all-round show when they face four-time champions England in the first semifinal of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Wednesday. En route to the knockout stage, South Africa suffered two heavy defeats and their batting came apart against spin on both occasions. Left gutted after being bowled out for 69 in their opening game, the South Africans recovered well to record narrow but gritty wins over New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, their struggles against spin resurfaced in the final league game against Australia, who bundled them out for just 97 in 24 overs. While the South African batters failed to pick the line and were undone by the drift against England, they were completely left gobsmacked by Alana King's leg-spin in the match against Australia. England will look to exploit this South African weakness again and rely not only on their all-round strength but a