From Smriti Mandhana to Jhulan Goswami: 5 players who hold key for Mithali Raj's India in ODI World Cup

Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday. 
 
Mandhana (71 from 84 deliveries) and Harmanpreet (63 from 66) helped pace India`s run chase and Mithali (54 not out from 66) provided the finishing touches, as the visitors successfully chased down New Zealand`s handy total of 251/9 with four overs remaining. 
 
It was India`s only victory of the five-match ODI series, with New Zealand claiming a 4-1 series triumph ahead of the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup next month, according to a report on ICC`s official website. 
 
With skipper Sophie Devine (34) and in-form batter Amelia Kerr (66) scoring with ease early in proceedings, it looked like the Kiwis were on track to set India an even larger target for victory.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-odi-world-cup-teams-hit-by-covid-can-field-9-players-says-icc-455926">Women's ODI World Cup teams hit by COVID can field 9 players, says ICC</a>

But India`s spinners helped put the clamps on the hosts during the middle overs, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42) and Sneh Rana (2/40) picking up six wickets between them to ensure the home side could only scramble past 250 in their final over. 
 
Smriti got on top of the New Zealand bowlers early in the reply, putting the loss of fellow opener Shafali Verma (9) behind her to ensure India stayed well inside the required run rate. 
 
When Smriti fell in the 29th over it provided New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but Harmanpreet steadied the ship with an excellent knock that put the victory target within sight. 
 
While Harmanpreet fell to Hannah Rowe in the 43rd over, it was too little too late as Mithali ensured the visitors cruised home to avoid an embarrassing series whitewash. 
 
Brief scores: 
 
New Zealand Women 251/9 in 50 overs (Amelia Kerr 66, Sophie Davine (34); Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42), Sneh Rana (2/40) lost to India Women 252/4 off 46 overs (Smriti Mandhana 71, Harmanpreet Kaur (63) and Mithali Raj 54 not out; Hannah Rowe 1/41) by six wickets.

Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday.

Half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Mithali Raj helped India avoid a series whitewash by registering a six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final ODI here on Thursday. Mandhana (71 from 84 deliveries) and Harmanpreet (63 from 66) helped pace India`s run chase and Mithali (54 not out from 66) provided the finishing touches, as the visitors successfully chased down New Zealand`s handy total of 251/9 with four overs remaining. It was India`s only victory of the five-match ODI series, with New Zealand claiming a 4-1 series triumph ahead of the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup next month, according to a report on ICC`s official website. With skipper Sophie Devine (34) and in-form batter Amelia Kerr (66) scoring with ease early in proceedings, it looked like the Kiwis were on track to set India an even larger target for victory. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup teams hit by COVID can field 9 players, says ICC But India`s spinners helped put the clamps on the hosts during the middle overs, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42) and Sneh Rana (2/40) picking up six wickets between them to ensure the home side could only scramble past 250 in their final over. Smriti got on top of the New Zealand bowlers early in the reply, putting the loss of fellow opener Shafali Verma (9) behind her to ensure India stayed well inside the required run rate. When Smriti fell in the 29th over it provided New Zealand a glimmer of hope, but Harmanpreet steadied the ship with an excellent knock that put the victory target within sight. While Harmanpreet fell to Hannah Rowe in the 43rd over, it was too little too late as Mithali ensured the visitors cruised home to avoid an embarrassing series whitewash. Brief scores: New Zealand Women 251/9 in 50 overs (Amelia Kerr 66, Sophie Davine (34); Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/61), Deepti Sharma (2/42), Sneh Rana (2/40) lost to India Women 252/4 off 46 overs (Smriti Mandhana 71, Harmanpreet Kaur (63) and Mithali Raj 54 not out; Hannah Rowe 1/41) by six wickets.

NZ v IND: Smriti, Harman, Mithali's fifties help India avoid series whitewash, win 5th ODI by 6 wickets

Teams at the women`s World Cup in New Zealand will be allowed to field a side with only nine players if their squad is hit by COVID-19, the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday. 
New Zealand reported more than 6,000 new cases of COVID-19, with 250 hospitalisations, and the government expects the outbreak to peak in mid-March.

ICC head of events Chris Tetley said teams would be allowed to field nine players plus two female members of their support staff in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in their camps. "From a COVID-19 perspective, we need to be a little bit flexible, as far as the way in which we manage the game to take into account these unique circumstances," he said. "And if they have female substitutes from within their management team, we would allow two substitutes to play - non-batting, non-bowling - to enable a game to take place." 
Teams have been granted three travelling reserves along with their 15-member squads.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-hundred-smriti-mandhana-jemimah-rodrigues-only-indians-retained-harmanpreet-kaur-released-455432">The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues only Indians retained, Harmanpreet Kaur released</a>

While the ICC would consider rescheduling fixtures in case of any medical crisis in the eight-team tournament, Tetley said there could be "logistical constraints". "We`ll be asking teams to show maximum flexibility and we`ll be as flexible as possible if the need arises to fulfil our objective, which is to get the games on," he said.

He also announced unlimited Super Overs, which would prevent a repeat of the men`s 2019 World Cup final which England won on boundary countback after the match had ended in a tie. "We would have, were it necessary, unlimited super overs if we get to that point in the game. So we wouldn`t get to the boundaries countback," he added.

Hosts New Zealand take on West Indies in the Mar. 4 tournament opener in Mount Maunganui.

Teams at the women`s World Cup in New Zealand will be allowed to field a side with only nine players if their squad is hit by COVID-19, the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday.

Teams at the women`s World Cup in New Zealand will be allowed to field a side with only nine players if their squad is hit by COVID-19, the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday. New Zealand reported more than 6,000 new cases of COVID-19, with 250 hospitalisations, and the government expects the outbreak to peak in mid-March. ICC head of events Chris Tetley said teams would be allowed to field nine players plus two female members of their support staff in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in their camps. "From a COVID-19 perspective, we need to be a little bit flexible, as far as the way in which we manage the game to take into account these unique circumstances," he said. "And if they have female substitutes from within their management team, we would allow two substitutes to play - non-batting, non-bowling - to enable a game to take place." Teams have been granted three travelling reserves along with their 15-member squads. ALSO READ | The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues only Indians retained, Harmanpreet Kaur released While the ICC would consider rescheduling fixtures in case of any medical crisis in the eight-team tournament, Tetley said there could be "logistical constraints". "We`ll be asking teams to show maximum flexibility and we`ll be as flexible as possible if the need arises to fulfil our objective, which is to get the games on," he said. He also announced unlimited Super Overs, which would prevent a repeat of the men`s 2019 World Cup final which England won on boundary countback after the match had ended in a tie. "We would have, were it necessary, unlimited super overs if we get to that point in the game. So we wouldn`t get to the boundaries countback," he added. Hosts New Zealand take on West Indies in the Mar. 4 tournament opener in Mount Maunganui.

Women's ODI World Cup teams hit by COVID can field 9 players, says ICC

Sports schedules go haywire due to Omicron Covid variant: What's cancelled, what's postponed

India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release.&nbsp;All four teams have qualified for the showpiece event after ICC Women’s Championship Technical Committee decided that the teams will share points in all three series of the ICC Women’s Championship that could not be played during the competition window.&nbsp;

All eight teams in the 2018-2020 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship play each other in a three-match series. While India versus Pakistan series could not be played after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it failed to obtain necessary government clearance to allow India to play a bilateral series against Pakistan, South Africa versus Australia and Sri Lanka versus New Zealand series were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-unreliable-cant-resume-cricket-with-them-anytime-soon-pcb-chairman-ehsan-mani-on-indo-pak-bilateral-series-292639" hreflang="en">'India are unreliable, can't resume cricket with them anytime soon' - PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on Indo-Pak bilateral series</a>

The host of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, i.e, New Zealand had automatically qualified for the marquee event but they will see the next four highest-placed teams on the points table qualify directly for the tournament.

Australia (37 points), England (29), South Africa (25) and now India (23) have qualified by virtue of being the top four. Pakistan (19), New Zealand (17), West Indies (13) and Sri Lanka (5) complete the table.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-mother-of-all-world-cups-and-13-billion-people-are-in-it-to-win-it-ravi-shastri-on-indias-fight-against-covid-19-pandemic-292622" hreflang="en">This is mother of all World Cups and 1.3 billion people are in it to win it: Ravi shastri on India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 Qualifier is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka from July 3 to 19 but the matches are subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The likes of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland, along with the winners of five regional qualifiers - Thailand (Asia), Zimbabwe (Africa), Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific), United States of America (Americas) and Netherlands (Europe) – will battle it out for the three remaining places in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021. 
&nbsp;

India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release.

India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release. All four teams have qualified for the showpiece event after ICC Women’s Championship Technical Committee decided that the teams will share points in all three series of the ICC Women’s Championship that could not be played during the competition window. All eight teams in the 2018-2020 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship play each other in a three-match series. While India versus Pakistan series could not be played after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it failed to obtain necessary government clearance to allow India to play a bilateral series against Pakistan, South Africa versus Australia and Sri Lanka versus New Zealand series were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: 'India are unreliable, can't resume cricket with them anytime soon' - PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on Indo-Pak bilateral series The host of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, i.e, New Zealand had automatically qualified for the marquee event but they will see the next four highest-placed teams on the points table qualify directly for the tournament. Australia (37 points), England (29), South Africa (25) and now India (23) have qualified by virtue of being the top four. Pakistan (19), New Zealand (17), West Indies (13) and Sri Lanka (5) complete the table. ALSO READ: This is mother of all World Cups and 1.3 billion people are in it to win it: Ravi shastri on India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic The ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 Qualifier is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka from July 3 to 19 but the matches are subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The likes of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland, along with the winners of five regional qualifiers - Thailand (Asia), Zimbabwe (Africa), Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific), United States of America (Americas) and Netherlands (Europe) – will battle it out for the three remaining places in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021.

India qualify for ICC Women's World Cup 2021 as ICC splits points for cancelled series

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.97 and has surpassed South Africa`s Chloe Tryon and Australia`s Alyssa Healy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shafali-verma-indian-womens-cricket-sensation-needed-boys-haircut-to-play-254184">Shafali Verma, Indian women's cricket sensation needed boy's haircut to play</a>

The official handle of the T20 World Cup posted the stat on Twitter and captioned the post as: "Highest career strike rates in women`s T20Is (min. 200 runs)--Shafali Verma - 438 runs at 147.97, Chloe Tryon - 722 runs at 138.31, Alyssa Healy - 1,875 runs at 129.66, the 16-year-old is top of the tree".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-can-indian-womens-cricket-team-repeat-an-83-281967">ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?</a>

India is currently playing against New Zealand in the Women`s T20 World Cup. In the match, Shafali played a knock of 46 runs. In the tournament, she has so far registered 114 runs. In the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. A spirited bowling performance helped New Zealand restrict India to 133/8 in the allotted twenty overs.

India's playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia (w), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

New Zealand's playing XI: Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (w), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair.

India has been in sublime form in the tournament as they have won both their matches so far. On the other hand, New Zealand has only played one match in the tournament, against Sri Lanka and won the game by seven wickets. Therefore, both teams will look to remain undefeated in the World Cup.

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.

India`s 16-year-old sensation Shafali Verma now has the highest strike-rate in Women`s T20Is.The opening batter has scored 438 runs in the shortest format of the game at a strike-rate of 147.97 and has surpassed South Africa`s Chloe Tryon and Australia`s Alyssa Healy. Also read: Shafali Verma, Indian women's cricket sensation needed boy's haircut to play The official handle of the T20 World Cup posted the stat on Twitter and captioned the post as: "Highest career strike rates in women`s T20Is (min. 200 runs)--Shafali Verma - 438 runs at 147.97, Chloe Tryon - 722 runs at 138.31, Alyssa Healy - 1,875 runs at 129.66, the 16-year-old is top of the tree". Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? India is currently playing against New Zealand in the Women`s T20 World Cup. In the match, Shafali played a knock of 46 runs. In the tournament, she has so far registered 114 runs. In the match, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. A spirited bowling performance helped New Zealand restrict India to 133/8 in the allotted twenty overs. India's playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia (w), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad. New Zealand's playing XI: Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (w), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair. India has been in sublime form in the tournament as they have won both their matches so far. On the other hand, New Zealand has only played one match in the tournament, against Sri Lanka and won the game by seven wickets. Therefore, both teams will look to remain undefeated in the World Cup.

Teen sensation Shafali Verma now has highest strike-rate in Women's T20Is

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-can-indian-womens-cricket-team-repeat-an-83-281967" hreflang="en">ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?</a>

They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

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It is time for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> opener 😎😎 
 
Let's get back behind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/uuXdD1pEtr">pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr</a>
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Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning.&nbsp;

Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 
1). 2009 
2). 2010 
3). 2018

Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament:&nbsp; 
1). 2012 
2). 2014 
3). 2016

India's fixture:&nbsp; 
India vs Australia, February 21&nbsp; 
India vs Bangladesh, February 24&nbsp; 
India vs New Zealand, February 27&nbsp; 
India vs Sri Lanka, February 29

The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.&nbsp;

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy. It is time for the #T20WorldCup opener 😎😎 Let's get back behind #TeamIndia 🇮🇳🇮🇳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2020 × Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning. Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 1). 2009 2). 2010 3). 2018 Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament: 1). 2012 2). 2014 3). 2016 India's fixture: India vs Australia, February 21 India vs Bangladesh, February 24 India vs New Zealand, February 27 India vs Sri Lanka, February 29 The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.

Indian women's cricket team begins ICC World Cup campaign against Australia

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand.

The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000.

The World Cup 2021 will run from January 30 to February 20, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement said.

The hosts New Zealand and four other top teams based on the ICC Women's Championship standings will gain direct qualification for the 2021 tournament.

Currently, the top four teams in the point table are - Australia (22), defending champions England (22), India (16) and South Africa (16).

While the remaining three teams will get a second chance through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier event in which the sides will be joined by Bangladesh and Ireland, and the winner of each regional qualifier in 2019 - Africa, Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe.

Sports event practitioners Liz Dawson and Andrea Nelson have been appointed as chair and chief executive, respectively, of the Cricket 2021 Ltd - the independent company set up to run the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-womens-world-cup-team-meets-pm-modi-381&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjAtMSa_fLiAhVJv48KHc0cBo8QFjACegQICRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_4AFROtOMjzbOaL5fCLpn">ICC Women's World Cup </a>2021 in New Zealand.

Dawson, who is a director of NZC, will chair a board comprising herself, former World Masters Games chief executive Jennah Wootten, Westpac Stadium Trust chief executive Shane Harmon, NZC chair Greg Barclay, and NZC chief executive David White.

Harmon is a current director of Netball New Zealand.

He has previously acted as GM Marketing and Communications of Rugby World Cup 2011 and was the Head of Marketing for the 2003 tournament in Australia.

Barclay and White were heavily involved in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018.

Nelson, on the other hand, has been GM New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and Director of Marketing and Communications for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

She will assume her CEO duties later this month after completing her current commitments on the inaugural Oceania Cup and Great Britain Lions Rugby League Series.

"This tournament is well positioned to take women's cricket to the next level - by showcasing the world`s best to new audiences here in New Zealand and around the world," Nelson said.

"I'm excited to be part of this event, which we hope will provide a global platform for the women's game and inspire a new generation of girls and boys to give it a go," added Nelson.

"With this event, alongside the International Working Group on Women in Sport and Women's Rugby World Cup, New Zealand will have the chance to make its mark as a global leader in women's sport," she said.

Dawson said it is a privilege for New Zealand to host such a significant tournament.

"This a fantastic event with a truly global reach and will bring together in New Zealand some of the best athletes in the world. It's a real growth opportunity and we aim to do the International Cricket Council and world cricket in general, proud," Dawson said.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand. The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 will comprise a total of 31 matches, including the semi-finals and the final, beginning January 30 in New Zealand. The 50-over tournament will be the game's fourth event to be fully or jointly hosted in New Zealand after two men's World Cups in 1992 and 2015, and women's event in 2000. The World Cup 2021 will run from January 30 to February 20, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement said. The hosts New Zealand and four other top teams based on the ICC Women's Championship standings will gain direct qualification for the 2021 tournament. Currently, the top four teams in the point table are - Australia (22), defending champions England (22), India (16) and South Africa (16). While the remaining three teams will get a second chance through the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier event in which the sides will be joined by Bangladesh and Ireland, and the winner of each regional qualifier in 2019 - Africa, Americas, Asia, East Asia Pacific and Europe. Sports event practitioners Liz Dawson and Andrea Nelson have been appointed as chair and chief executive, respectively, of the Cricket 2021 Ltd - the independent company set up to run the ICC Women's World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. Dawson, who is a director of NZC, will chair a board comprising herself, former World Masters Games chief executive Jennah Wootten, Westpac Stadium Trust chief executive Shane Harmon, NZC chair Greg Barclay, and NZC chief executive David White. Harmon is a current director of Netball New Zealand. He has previously acted as GM Marketing and Communications of Rugby World Cup 2011 and was the Head of Marketing for the 2003 tournament in Australia. Barclay and White were heavily involved in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018. Nelson, on the other hand, has been GM New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup 2017, and Director of Marketing and Communications for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. She will assume her CEO duties later this month after completing her current commitments on the inaugural Oceania Cup and Great Britain Lions Rugby League Series. "This tournament is well positioned to take women's cricket to the next level - by showcasing the world`s best to new audiences here in New Zealand and around the world," Nelson said. "I'm excited to be part of this event, which we hope will provide a global platform for the women's game and inspire a new generation of girls and boys to give it a go," added Nelson. "With this event, alongside the International Working Group on Women in Sport and Women's Rugby World Cup, New Zealand will have the chance to make its mark as a global leader in women's sport," she said. Dawson said it is a privilege for New Zealand to host such a significant tournament. "This a fantastic event with a truly global reach and will bring together in New Zealand some of the best athletes in the world. It's a real growth opportunity and we aim to do the International Cricket Council and world cricket in general, proud," Dawson said.

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 dates announced

Australia dethroned the West Indies and booked a place in Saturday's Women's World Twenty20 final with a crushing 71-run victory in the first semi-final on Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Stunned by the Caribbean side in 2016 final in Kolkata, the three-time champions were at their most ruthless to the dismay of a huge home crowd as they reached 142 for five batting first on a turgid pitch and then routed the West Indies for just 71 off 17.3 overs.

Australia will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and India, being played later on Thursday, in Saturday's championship match at the same venue.

Put in to bat on a pitch where the experienced three-time former champions found free scoring difficult, the Aussies were indebted again to the prolific Alyssa Healy, the opening batter topscoring with 46 to earn her fourth 'Player of the Match' award in five games so far in this tournament.

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Is there a more valuable player in cricket right now?<a href="https://twitter.com/ahealy77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ahealy77</a> does it with bat, and in the field, scooping her FOURTH Player of the Match award at this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> as the Aussies march into a fifth consecutive final 👏 <a href="https://t.co/kCXGYIO2P4">pic.twitter.com/kCXGYIO2P4</a>
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"It was really tricky out there given the fluffiness of the pitch," was her post-match assessment of the conditions. "I felt that once we got past 120 our bowlers would have had a good chance of defending that total."

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🇦🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthernStars?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SouthernStars</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> finalists! <a href="https://t.co/aqIJXbMx0s">pic.twitter.com/aqIJXbMx0s</a>
— ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldT20/status/1065741674196987904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She had passed a late fitness test after sustaining a concussion in the field during their last group match against India in Guyana five days earlier.

Healy and captain Meg Lanning produced the best partnership of the innings, putting on 51 for the second wicket.

After Healy fell to leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and Lanning was bowled by all-rounder Deandra Dottin, Rachael Haynes struck a flurry of boundaries to reach an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls to give her side a fighting chance against the title-holders.

She was particularly harsh on Dottin, who despite claiming the important wicket of Lanning, conceded 23 runs off two overs at the end of the innings.

West Indian hopes of a strong reply evaporated in the early overs of their innings with openers Hayley Matthews and Dottin dismissed cheaply.

Matthews was run out by wicketkeeper Healy while champion seamer Ellyse Perry accounted for Dottin, adding the scalp of Shemaine Campbelle to finish with the outstanding figures of two for two from two overs.

She was not required by Lanning to return to the attack as the rest of the West Indies batting folded meekly, only captain Stafanie Taylor (16) getting into double-figures as all the bowlers shared in the rout, with seamer Delissa Kimmince and spinner Ashleigh Gardner also taking two wickets each.

Australia dethroned the West Indies and booked a place in Saturday's Women's World Twenty20 final with a crushing 71-run victory in the first semi-final on Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Australia dethroned the West Indies and booked a place in Saturday's Women's World Twenty20 final with a crushing 71-run victory in the first semi-final on Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Stunned by the Caribbean side in 2016 final in Kolkata, the three-time champions were at their most ruthless to the dismay of a huge home crowd as they reached 142 for five batting first on a turgid pitch and then routed the West Indies for just 71 off 17.3 overs. Australia will face the winner of the second semi-final between England and India, being played later on Thursday, in Saturday's championship match at the same venue. Put in to bat on a pitch where the experienced three-time former champions found free scoring difficult, the Aussies were indebted again to the prolific Alyssa Healy, the opening batter topscoring with 46 to earn her fourth 'Player of the Match' award in five games so far in this tournament. Is there a more valuable player in cricket right now?@ahealy77 does it with bat, and in the field, scooping her FOURTH Player of the Match award at this #WT20 as the Aussies march into a fifth consecutive final 👏 pic.twitter.com/kCXGYIO2P4 — ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 22, 2018 × "It was really tricky out there given the fluffiness of the pitch," was her post-match assessment of the conditions. "I felt that once we got past 120 our bowlers would have had a good chance of defending that total." 🇦🇺 @SouthernStars - #WT20 finalists! pic.twitter.com/aqIJXbMx0s — ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 22, 2018 × She had passed a late fitness test after sustaining a concussion in the field during their last group match against India in Guyana five days earlier. Healy and captain Meg Lanning produced the best partnership of the innings, putting on 51 for the second wicket. After Healy fell to leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and Lanning was bowled by all-rounder Deandra Dottin, Rachael Haynes struck a flurry of boundaries to reach an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls to give her side a fighting chance against the title-holders. She was particularly harsh on Dottin, who despite claiming the important wicket of Lanning, conceded 23 runs off two overs at the end of the innings. West Indian hopes of a strong reply evaporated in the early overs of their innings with openers Hayley Matthews and Dottin dismissed cheaply. Matthews was run out by wicketkeeper Healy while champion seamer Ellyse Perry accounted for Dottin, adding the scalp of Shemaine Campbelle to finish with the outstanding figures of two for two from two overs. She was not required by Lanning to return to the attack as the rest of the West Indies batting folded meekly, only captain Stafanie Taylor (16) getting into double-figures as all the bowlers shared in the rout, with seamer Delissa Kimmince and spinner Ashleigh Gardner also taking two wickets each.

Women's World Twenty20: Australia thrash West Indies to reach final

India booked their place in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-guides-india-to-seven-wicket-win-over-pakistan-176721">semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20</a> for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland.

Last year's World Cup runners-up went into the game knowing victory would secure a last-four spot after previous wins over New Zealand and Pakistan.

Raj struck an assured 51 as India posted a total of 145-6 that was always likely to be too strong for Ireland, and the tournament's lowest-ranked team struggled to 93-8 in reply as Radha Yadav finished with three for 25.

The 35-year-old Raj, India's all-time record runscorer in T20s, laid the foundations for victory with a 67-run stand for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, and after the game she played down injury fears after struggling with a knee problem.

"I'm sure my knee will get better," she said. "Today the wicket was quite challenging. The pitch was soft. And playing slower bowlers was difficult, but the partnership with Smriti was crucial."

India face Australia on Saturday to decide who finishes top of Group B, before playing the semi-finals on November 22.

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland.

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland. Last year's World Cup runners-up went into the game knowing victory would secure a last-four spot after previous wins over New Zealand and Pakistan. Raj struck an assured 51 as India posted a total of 145-6 that was always likely to be too strong for Ireland, and the tournament's lowest-ranked team struggled to 93-8 in reply as Radha Yadav finished with three for 25. The 35-year-old Raj, India's all-time record runscorer in T20s, laid the foundations for victory with a 67-run stand for the opening wicket with Smriti Mandhana, and after the game she played down injury fears after struggling with a knee problem. "I'm sure my knee will get better," she said. "Today the wicket was quite challenging. The pitch was soft. And playing slower bowlers was difficult, but the partnership with Smriti was crucial." India face Australia on Saturday to decide who finishes top of Group B, before playing the semi-finals on November 22.

ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter semi-final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday named Team India skipper Mithali Raj as the captain of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2017 team.&nbsp;

Mithali, 34, was chosen as captain of the Women&rsquo;s World Cup XI after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women&#39;s World Cup.

Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma are the other two Indians who are a part of the ICC squad.

India lost to England by a mere nine runs in the nailbiting finals at the Lord&#39;s Stadium in London.&nbsp;

The tournament XI &nbsp;includes four players from England, player of the tournament Tamsin Beaumont, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley; three from South Africa, opener Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk; and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry.

Mithali, Taylor and Shrubsole have been picked in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in their careers.

England&#39;s Natalie Sciver, who scored 369 runs and took seven wickets, was selected as the 12th player.&nbsp;

Mithali scored 409 runs during the 30-day ICC Women&#39;s World Cup tournament. Her best was 109 runs in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand in Derby, enabling India to reach the semifinals with a 186-run win.

Her other notable scores in the tournament were 71 against England in the tournament opener in Derby, 46 against the West Indies in Taunton, 53 against Sri Lanka in Derby and 69 against Australia in Bristol.&nbsp;

Mithali and Taylor were selected in the Team of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup in 2009. England won the 2009 tournament in Sydney. Shrubsole was named in the Team of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2013, won by Australia.

Mithali, 34, was selected as captain after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women's World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday named Team India skipper Mithali Raj as the captain of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 team. Mithali, 34, was chosen as captain of the Women’s World Cup XI after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women's World Cup. Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma are the other two Indians who are a part of the ICC squad. India lost to England by a mere nine runs in the nailbiting finals at the Lord's Stadium in London. The tournament XI includes four players from England, player of the tournament Tamsin Beaumont, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley; three from South Africa, opener Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk; and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry. Mithali, Taylor and Shrubsole have been picked in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in their careers. England's Natalie Sciver, who scored 369 runs and took seven wickets, was selected as the 12th player. Mithali scored 409 runs during the 30-day ICC Women's World Cup tournament. Her best was 109 runs in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand in Derby, enabling India to reach the semifinals with a 186-run win. Her other notable scores in the tournament were 71 against England in the tournament opener in Derby, 46 against the West Indies in Taunton, 53 against Sri Lanka in Derby and 69 against Australia in Bristol. Mithali and Taylor were selected in the Team of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2009. England won the 2009 tournament in Sydney. Shrubsole was named in the Team of the ICC Women's World Cup 2013, won by Australia.

ICC names Mithali Raj as captain of Women's World Cup 2017 team

England beat India by nine runs to win the Women&#39;s World Cup final at Lord&#39;s on Sunday.

India, set 229 for victory, were on course at 191 for three but Punam Raut&#39;s dismissal for 86 sparked a dramatic collapse.

Anya Shrubsole took five wickets for 11 runs in 19 deliveries as India slumped to 219 all out with eight balls to spare.

India lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs, with pace bowler Shrubsole finishing with six for 46 in 9.4 overs.

Earlier India held England to 228 for seven with veteran pace bowler Jhulan Goswami enjoying an excellent return of three for 23 in 10 overs in an innings where Nat Sciver&#39;s 51 was the top score.

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Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity &amp; skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team! <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen">@BCCIWomen</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/889167218675556352">July 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Brief scores

England 228-7, 50 overs (N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23)

India 219, 48.4 overs (P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46)

Set a winning target of 229, India fell short as England triumphed with Anya Shrubsole taking 6-46

England beat India by nine runs to win the Women's World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday. India, set 229 for victory, were on course at 191 for three but Punam Raut's dismissal for 86 sparked a dramatic collapse. Anya Shrubsole took five wickets for 11 runs in 19 deliveries as India slumped to 219 all out with eight balls to spare. India lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs, with pace bowler Shrubsole finishing with six for 46 in 9.4 overs. Earlier India held England to 228 for seven with veteran pace bowler Jhulan Goswami enjoying an excellent return of three for 23 in 10 overs in an innings where Nat Sciver's 51 was the top score. Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity & skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team! @BCCIWomen — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2017 × Brief scores England 228-7, 50 overs (N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23) India 219, 48.4 overs (P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46)

Women's World Cup final: England beat India by nine runs

India&#39;s women&#39;s cricket team beat Australia by 36 runs to reach the Women&#39;s World Cup final.

Harmanpreet Kaur hit an incredible 171 not out as India made 281 off their rain-restricted 42 overs before they dismissed six-time champions Australia for 245.

Australia, set 282 to win and what would have been a record World Cup chase if successful, got off to a terrible start as they lost three wickets inside the opening eight overs.

Despite some impressive hitting from Elyse Villani, who recorded her best ODI score of 75, they were never able to keep up with the required run rate and were dismissed for 245 with 11 balls to spare.

India will face now England, the three-time champions, in Sunday&#39;s final at Lord&#39;s. This is only the second time&nbsp;the Indian cricket team has reached the finals.&nbsp;

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Brilliant finish by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenInBlue?src=hash">#WomenInBlue</a>! The pic says it all! Here we come Lord&#39;s! My best wishes for the final against England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPNLsLFhuE">pic.twitter.com/WPNLsLFhuE</a>
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/888113519371014149">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Filled with pride seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen">@BCCIWomen</a> perform like this.Congratulations on the great victory. Unforgettable knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a>
&mdash; Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) <a href="https://twitter.com/therealkapildev/status/888111461137997824">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Player of the Match award went to none other than India&rsquo;s Harmanpreet Kaur.

Indian had won the toss and elected to bat first.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/live-updates-womens-world-cup-india-win-toss-elect-to-bat-first-18123">Women&#39;s World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet Kaur&#39;s ton puts India on top against Australia</a>

<h1 title="Women's World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet?Kaur's ton puts India on top against Australia">&nbsp;</h1>

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Winners! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/SoQEomeRgS">pic.twitter.com/SoQEomeRgS</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888110267422261249">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India won the Women?s World Cup semi-final against Australia by 36 runs

India's women's cricket team beat Australia by 36 runs to reach the Women's World Cup final. Harmanpreet Kaur hit an incredible 171 not out as India made 281 off their rain-restricted 42 overs before they dismissed six-time champions Australia for 245. Australia, set 282 to win and what would have been a record World Cup chase if successful, got off to a terrible start as they lost three wickets inside the opening eight overs. Despite some impressive hitting from Elyse Villani, who recorded her best ODI score of 75, they were never able to keep up with the required run rate and were dismissed for 245 with 11 balls to spare. India will face now England, the three-time champions, in Sunday's final at Lord's. This is only the second time the Indian cricket team has reached the finals. Brilliant finish by the #WomenInBlue! The pic says it all! Here we come Lord's! My best wishes for the final against England #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/WPNLsLFhuE — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2017 × Filled with pride seeing @BCCIWomen perform like this.Congratulations on the great victory. Unforgettable knock by @ImHarmanpreet — Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) July 20, 2017 × The Player of the Match award went to none other than India’s Harmanpreet Kaur. Indian had won the toss and elected to bat first. Women's World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet Kaur's ton puts India on top against Australia Winners! ????#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/SoQEomeRgS — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 ×

India trounce Australia to enter Women's World Cup final

India&#39;s semifinal prospects suffered a massive setback after Australia cantered to a convincing eight-wicket win, riding on a superb batting show by their top-order in the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup here today.

Put into bat, opener Punam Raut&#39;s fighting century and a 69 from record-breaking skipper Mithali Raj enabled India to post a decent 226 for seven in their sixth group league encounter.

Australia overhauled the target with 29 balls to spare, scoring 227 for two, courtesy some fine batting by skipper Meg Lanning (76 not out) and Ellyse Perry (60 not out).

Beth Mooney (45) and Nicole Bolton (36) laid the foundation with a 62-run opening partnership in 15.4 overs.

Mithali said at the post-match presentation ceremony, &quot;It was a decent total after losing our first wicket in the first couple of overs. We should have got more runs in the middle overs, but it was still a competitive total. But the bowlers didn&#39;t look penetrative, it was a slow wicket.&quot;

After this loss, India are now placed at the fourth spot with eight points. They will have to win its next and final league match against New Zealand to make the knockout stage.

&quot;Even for New Zealand, probably, it will be a do-or-die match. If we look forward to qualifying, we really need to upgrade our quality of cricket.&quot;

Mooney and Bolton made a watchful start to their innings as Indian pacers Jhulan Goswami and Deepti Sharma bowled maiden overs first up.

Left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht was introduced into the attack and Bolton exploded with three back-to-back fours.

Mooney and Bolton helped Australia score 57 in the first 15 overs before the latter was sent packing by Poonam Yadav in the next over.

Mooney then blasted a couple of fours off Sharma in the next over, while new batswoman Lanning too joined the party with a clean strike over Yadav&#39;s head and then hitting one over mid-off as Australia reached 82 for one.

The duo brought up the hundred in the 23rd over, but Mooney was run-out with Deepti producing a brilliant fielding at short extra-cover.

Perry then joined Lanning and the took the ones and twos and occasional boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. They brought up the 150 when Perry bisected the deep mid-wicket and long-on with a boundary in the 32nd over.

In the first ball of the 35th over, Lanning picked up a single off Goswami to complete her fifty. The duo continued to rotate the strike and crossed the 200-mark in the 41st over.

Perry, who completed her 22nd ODI fifty, cracked a straight drive off Goswami to bring up the winning runs.

&quot;We&#39;ve come into this World Cup looking to win it, just like every other team. There&#39;s been some very good cricket played, and every game from here on is going to be high- quality,&quot; Lanning said.

Earlier, Raut (106, 136 balls) and Mithali (69, 114 balls) added 157 runs for the second wicket but they consumed more than 37 overs in the process.

The highlight of India innings was Mithali surpassing former England captain Charlotte Edwards&#39; aggregate of 5992 runs to become the highest run-getter in the history of women&#39;s ODI.

En route her 49th ODI half-century, she also became the first batswoman to reach the individual milestone of 6000 runs.

Talking about the milestone, Mithali said: &quot;I think that since I&#39;ve had a long career, (the milestone) is part of it.

It&#39;s very important for me to get runs for my country from my bat. I can say I&#39;m happy even though I&#39;m not happy in terms of the result or the way I scored them today.&quot;

Punam, who hit 11 fours, played confidently against the spinners. Mithali, however, was very slow off the blocks even though her innings had four boundaries and a six.

She simply couldn&#39;t find the gaps as the dot balls kept on piling. The only time she tried chancing her arms was when she lofted Beans for a six to complete 6000 runs.

Once Mithali was out, Harmanpreet Kaur (23, 22 balls) tried to get to move on but after she was dismissed, the Indians couldn&#39;t accelerate in the final overs.

After this loss, India are now placed at the fourth spot with eight points. They will have to win its next and final league match against New Zealand to make the knockout stage

India's semifinal prospects suffered a massive setback after Australia cantered to a convincing eight-wicket win, riding on a superb batting show by their top-order in the ICC Women's World Cup here today. Put into bat, opener Punam Raut's fighting century and a 69 from record-breaking skipper Mithali Raj enabled India to post a decent 226 for seven in their sixth group league encounter. Australia overhauled the target with 29 balls to spare, scoring 227 for two, courtesy some fine batting by skipper Meg Lanning (76 not out) and Ellyse Perry (60 not out). Beth Mooney (45) and Nicole Bolton (36) laid the foundation with a 62-run opening partnership in 15.4 overs. Mithali said at the post-match presentation ceremony, "It was a decent total after losing our first wicket in the first couple of overs. We should have got more runs in the middle overs, but it was still a competitive total. But the bowlers didn't look penetrative, it was a slow wicket." After this loss, India are now placed at the fourth spot with eight points. They will have to win its next and final league match against New Zealand to make the knockout stage. "Even for New Zealand, probably, it will be a do-or-die match. If we look forward to qualifying, we really need to upgrade our quality of cricket." Mooney and Bolton made a watchful start to their innings as Indian pacers Jhulan Goswami and Deepti Sharma bowled maiden overs first up. Left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht was introduced into the attack and Bolton exploded with three back-to-back fours. Mooney and Bolton helped Australia score 57 in the first 15 overs before the latter was sent packing by Poonam Yadav in the next over. Mooney then blasted a couple of fours off Sharma in the next over, while new batswoman Lanning too joined the party with a clean strike over Yadav's head and then hitting one over mid-off as Australia reached 82 for one. The duo brought up the hundred in the 23rd over, but Mooney was run-out with Deepti producing a brilliant fielding at short extra-cover. Perry then joined Lanning and the took the ones and twos and occasional boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. They brought up the 150 when Perry bisected the deep mid-wicket and long-on with a boundary in the 32nd over. In the first ball of the 35th over, Lanning picked up a single off Goswami to complete her fifty. The duo continued to rotate the strike and crossed the 200-mark in the 41st over. Perry, who completed her 22nd ODI fifty, cracked a straight drive off Goswami to bring up the winning runs. "We've come into this World Cup looking to win it, just like every other team. There's been some very good cricket played, and every game from here on is going to be high- quality," Lanning said. Earlier, Raut (106, 136 balls) and Mithali (69, 114 balls) added 157 runs for the second wicket but they consumed more than 37 overs in the process. The highlight of India innings was Mithali surpassing former England captain Charlotte Edwards' aggregate of 5992 runs to become the highest run-getter in the history of women's ODI. En route her 49th ODI half-century, she also became the first batswoman to reach the individual milestone of 6000 runs. Talking about the milestone, Mithali said: "I think that since I've had a long career, (the milestone) is part of it. It's very important for me to get runs for my country from my bat. I can say I'm happy even though I'm not happy in terms of the result or the way I scored them today." Punam, who hit 11 fours, played confidently against the spinners. Mithali, however, was very slow off the blocks even though her innings had four boundaries and a six. She simply couldn't find the gaps as the dot balls kept on piling. The only time she tried chancing her arms was when she lofted Beans for a six to complete 6000 runs. Once Mithali was out, Harmanpreet Kaur (23, 22 balls) tried to get to move on but after she was dismissed, the Indians couldn't accelerate in the final overs.

ICC Women's World Cup: India suffer 8-wicket loss to Australia

India defeated Sri Lanka by 16 runs at Derby in the Women&#39;s World Cup group match.

Indian captain Mithali Raj struck a defiant 53, her 48th ODI half-century, together with Deepti Sharma who hit a smart 78 shared a decisive 118-run third-wicket partnership to boost India&#39;s total to 232 for eight.

&nbsp;

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Deepti Sharma hit a brilliant 78 to share an 118-run stand with captain Indian Mithali Raj. (Zee News Network)
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Indian bowler Jhulan Goswami struck early to peg back Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka batter Dilani Manodara tried to defy India with a well crafted half century but India held the upper hand as they beat the Lankans by 16 runs in the end.

&quot;I&#39;ve always enjoyed batting and stepping up when it&#39;s required,&quot; India captain Mithali Raj Raj said after winning the match.

Indian captain Mithali Raj struck a defiant 53, her 48th ODI half-century to help India beat Sri Lanka

India defeated Sri Lanka by 16 runs at Derby in the Women's World Cup group match. Indian captain Mithali Raj struck a defiant 53, her 48th ODI half-century, together with Deepti Sharma who hit a smart 78 shared a decisive 118-run third-wicket partnership to boost India's total to 232 for eight. Deepti Sharma hit a brilliant 78 to share an 118-run stand with captain Indian Mithali Raj. (Zee News Network) × Indian bowler Jhulan Goswami struck early to peg back Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka batter Dilani Manodara tried to defy India with a well crafted half century but India held the upper hand as they beat the Lankans by 16 runs in the end. "I've always enjoyed batting and stepping up when it's required," India captain Mithali Raj Raj said after winning the match.

Women's World Cup: Mithali Raj, Deepti Sharma lead India to victory over Lanka

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