🔗 Share this article

Preamble

Are you set for a new chapter? An unfamiliar winner on an old trophy?

A sell-out crowd is gathered at Navi Mumbai for the competing squads, who overcame the old order in their semi-finals. Harmanpreet Kaur’s experienced Indian lineup face Wolvaardt’s unheralded South African team – England and Australia watching from their sofas. Two totemic captains, two sides loaded with ability.

This appears to be a historic moment. Stay with us as we count every over.

India's Captain: Harmanpreet

The Indian captain, whose face tells a thousand, ten thousand stories, cried as India defeated the Aussies. She seemed steadier during the evening.

“I think the most important thing is that we have to enjoy this because nothing compares to this for us as athletes and as leader. Therefore our aim is to enjoy this moment and continue setting minor goals that we need to reach together rather than thinking bigger targets because you can achieve major objectives if you achieve the manageable steps.”

“For a cricketer, these instances are very important. To beat a team like Australia, which is a big team and has always done well internationally. It’s difficult to play and stay resilient against them. But I think surmounting that obstacle was extremely meaningful to all of us. I consistently advise my team that you don’t need to hold back emotions. If you feel like crying, weep. Simultaneously, keep relishing. I believe there is no bigger achievement or moment for us. The final is a unique occasion and we’ll proceed with the same mindset.”

Proteas Skipper: Laura

Plus some soothing calm from Wolvaardt.

“Head coach Mandla, our head coach], usually provides the uplifting messages, the ‘representing your nation’ kind of speech. And then I think I’d just come with a brief ‘keep cool, girls’ at the end. There’s going to be plenty of distractions, many events unfolding, a lot of maybe unusual procedures compared to normal during regular matches. Yet, finally, we must to do the basics for longer throughout the game, and maintain composure for longer. In my view merely enduring and keeping cool will help a long way tomorrow.”

“I’m striving to prevent considering too far ahead; just really sort of slow it down. I think the first time you’re in those finals, it feels like a massive, quick-moving occasion. We must to slow down and inhale fully, and pray we can to achieve that collectively.”

Game Overview

Raf’s preview of today’s big match.

India search for flawless finish in historic Women’s Global Tournament final against the South African side.

Post-Match Analysis

And a couple of post-mortems.

Starting with the Aussies:

The Australian women’s global tournament setback highlights need for a reset – not complete reconstruction.

Then England:

England’s Ashes debacle and assessment was supposed to change everything. Was it successful?

• Women’s Global Tournament
• Women's cricket
• Cricket
• India women's cricket team
• South African women’s side
• Australia sport