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"It's the darkest day of my life," said senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj, responding to coach Ramesh Powar's allegations that she <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/few-people-in-power-are-out-to-destroy-me-says-mithali-raj-179751">threatened retirement over a batting position, threw tantrums and created chaos</a> in the side during the World T20.

The war of words, which started with Mithali alleging that Powar was out to destroy her, intensified on Wednesday when the coach, in his tour report, questioned her conduct during the tournament in the West Indies.

India were knocked out following a semifinal loss to England, a match from which Mithali was controversially dropped despite being fit.

Mithali reacted to Powar's report by posting a brief statement on her official Twitter page on Thursday.

"I'm deeply saddened &amp; hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game &amp; 20yrs of playing for my country," she wrote.

"The hard work, sweat, in vain. Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned &amp; all the mud slinging- it's the darkest day of my life. May god give strength," she added.

The acrimony between the senior player and the coach has shaken Indian women's cricket, which gained significant traction after the team finished runners-up in the ODI World Cup last year.

It started with Mithali accusing Powar and Committee of Administrators' member Diana Edulji of bias. She claimed that while Diana used her position against her, Powar humiliated her with his indifference in the West Indies.

Powar, after declining comment initially, submitted a 10-page tour report to the BCCI in which he detailed his version of the events that led to the breakdown.

In the nearly five-page assessment of Mithali, Powar stated that the senior player threatened to leave the tournament midway at being dropped from the opening slot despite being duly consulted before the move.

He also accused her of chasing personal milestones while ignoring the team's cause.&nbsp;

"I was saddened by her attitude and it gave me an impression that Mithali Raj comes first and then India. She threw a lot of tantrums and created a lot of chaos," Powar stated in his report.

"I hope Mithali stops blackmailing, pressurising coaches and putting her interest first than the team," he said while summarising the 35-year-old batter's performance on the tour.

The 40-year-old Powar's interim tenure comes to an end on Friday.

Even though he will be free to apply for the post when fresh applications are invited, there is little chance that he will be retained owing to the ongoing controversy.&nbsp;

"It's the darkest day of my life," said senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj, responding to coach Ramesh Powar's allegations that she threatened retirement over a batting position, threw tantrums and created chaos in the side during the World T20.

"It's the darkest day of my life," said senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj, responding to coach Ramesh Powar's allegations that she threatened retirement over a batting position, threw tantrums and created chaos in the side during the World T20. The war of words, which started with Mithali alleging that Powar was out to destroy her, intensified on Wednesday when the coach, in his tour report, questioned her conduct during the tournament in the West Indies. India were knocked out following a semifinal loss to England, a match from which Mithali was controversially dropped despite being fit. Mithali reacted to Powar's report by posting a brief statement on her official Twitter page on Thursday. "I'm deeply saddened & hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game & 20yrs of playing for my country," she wrote. "The hard work, sweat, in vain. Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned & all the mud slinging- it's the darkest day of my life. May god give strength," she added. The acrimony between the senior player and the coach has shaken Indian women's cricket, which gained significant traction after the team finished runners-up in the ODI World Cup last year. It started with Mithali accusing Powar and Committee of Administrators' member Diana Edulji of bias. She claimed that while Diana used her position against her, Powar humiliated her with his indifference in the West Indies. Powar, after declining comment initially, submitted a 10-page tour report to the BCCI in which he detailed his version of the events that led to the breakdown. In the nearly five-page assessment of Mithali, Powar stated that the senior player threatened to leave the tournament midway at being dropped from the opening slot despite being duly consulted before the move. He also accused her of chasing personal milestones while ignoring the team's cause. "I was saddened by her attitude and it gave me an impression that Mithali Raj comes first and then India. She threw a lot of tantrums and created a lot of chaos," Powar stated in his report. "I hope Mithali stops blackmailing, pressurising coaches and putting her interest first than the team," he said while summarising the 35-year-old batter's performance on the tour. The 40-year-old Powar's interim tenure comes to an end on Friday. Even though he will be free to apply for the post when fresh applications are invited, there is little chance that he will be retained owing to the ongoing controversy.

'Darkest day of my life,' says Mithali Raj after coach accuses her of creating chaos in side

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match.

The 35-year-old Mithali was left out of the World T20 semi-final against England that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss. She was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies.

The team management cited cricketing logic -- it did not want to change a winning combination -- behind the move to drop Mithali but former skipper Gavaskar did not agree with that.

"I feel sorry for Mithali. She has a very good point. She has served Indian cricket for 20 years. She scored runs, she won player of the match in both matches (she played at the World T20)," Gavaskar told 'India Today'.

"She was injured for one game but fit for the next game. Just convert this situation into the men's game. If you had a Virat Kohli who was injured for one game and then is fit for the knockout, will you leave him out?&nbsp;

"You have to pick your best player for the knockouts. You needed the experience and expertise of Mithali Raj," he said.

Mithali had written a letter to the BCCI, accusing coach Ramesh Powar and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji, saying the two are biased against her and have tried to "destroy" her.&nbsp;

Gavaskar said it was difficult to comment on Powar's role from a distance but made it clear that the reason given for Mithali's dropping was wrong.

"What happened with Powar. It is very difficult to comment on that from here. But it's difficult to accept whatever the reason was. They said they wanted to stick with the same team, I don't think that's a good enough excuse. You can't drop someone like Mithali Raj," said the former captain.&nbsp;

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match.

Sunil Gavaskar has come out in support of senior Indian woman cricketer Mithali Raj in the controversy surrounding her dropping from the World T20 semifinal team, saying a player of her experience should not have been left out of the crucial match. The 35-year-old Mithali was left out of the World T20 semi-final against England that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss. She was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies. The team management cited cricketing logic -- it did not want to change a winning combination -- behind the move to drop Mithali but former skipper Gavaskar did not agree with that. "I feel sorry for Mithali. She has a very good point. She has served Indian cricket for 20 years. She scored runs, she won player of the match in both matches (she played at the World T20)," Gavaskar told 'India Today'. "She was injured for one game but fit for the next game. Just convert this situation into the men's game. If you had a Virat Kohli who was injured for one game and then is fit for the knockout, will you leave him out? "You have to pick your best player for the knockouts. You needed the experience and expertise of Mithali Raj," he said. Mithali had written a letter to the BCCI, accusing coach Ramesh Powar and Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji, saying the two are biased against her and have tried to "destroy" her. Gavaskar said it was difficult to comment on Powar's role from a distance but made it clear that the reason given for Mithali's dropping was wrong. "What happened with Powar. It is very difficult to comment on that from here. But it's difficult to accept whatever the reason was. They said they wanted to stick with the same team, I don't think that's a good enough excuse. You can't drop someone like Mithali Raj," said the former captain.

I feel sorry for Mithali, she has a very good point: Sunil Gavaskar

The Indian women's cricket coach Ramesh Powar Wednesday conceded to having a "strained" relationship with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/few-people-in-power-are-out-to-destroy-me-says-mithali-raj-179751">senior player Mithali Raj</a> but insisted that her contentious dropping from the World T20 semifinal was based solely on cricketing logic, a Board official has claimed.&nbsp;

Powar met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations), Saba Karim, a day after he was accused of bias by Mithali. He met the two Board officials at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.

The seniormost batswoman of the Indian team, in a scathing e-mail to Johri and Karim, alleged that Powar humiliated her during the World T20 in the West Indies and she was left in tears after the axing from the team.

"Ramesh admitted that his professional relationship with Mithali was strained as he always found her aloof and difficult to handle," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

However, the official said Powar insisted that Mithali's axing from the semifinal, which India lost to England by eight wickets, was based on strategy and not acrimony.

"He maintained that it was due to poor strike rate that she was dropped against England and also because the team management wanted to maintain a winning combination," the official said.

It is learnt that the former spinner, who took over as interim coach a few months ago, did admit to being "indifferent to the seniormost player".

Powar was asked why Mithali's strike rate didn't come in the way of her selection for the games against Ireland and Pakistan, he had no response to offer.

Mithali scored half-centuries in both the games and was adjudged Player of the Match.&nbsp;

Another aspect that came up for discussion was if there was any "external pressure" to drop Mithali from any influential official.

The source said Powar denied receiving calls from anybody but claimed to be aware of one "powerful individual in the BCCI" being in touch with team manager (Trupti Bhattacharya) and tour selector (Sudha Shah).

On Tuesday, Mithali had also accused Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji of bias. The ODI captain stated that Edulji used her position against her and made her feel vulnerable.&nbsp;

Edulji has not yet reacted to the allegations made by Mithali.

The 40-year-old Powar's interim tenure comes to an end on Friday.

Even though he will be free to apply for the post when fresh applications are invited, there is little chance that he will be retained as his player management skills have come under scanner due to this incident.&nbsp;

The Indian women's cricket coach Ramesh Powar Wednesday conceded to having a "strained" relationship with senior player Mithali Raj but insisted that her contentious dropping from the World T20 semifinal was based solely on cricketing logic, a Board official has claimed.

The Indian women's cricket coach Ramesh Powar Wednesday conceded to having a "strained" relationship with senior player Mithali Raj but insisted that her contentious dropping from the World T20 semifinal was based solely on cricketing logic, a Board official has claimed. Powar met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations), Saba Karim, a day after he was accused of bias by Mithali. He met the two Board officials at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. The seniormost batswoman of the Indian team, in a scathing e-mail to Johri and Karim, alleged that Powar humiliated her during the World T20 in the West Indies and she was left in tears after the axing from the team. "Ramesh admitted that his professional relationship with Mithali was strained as he always found her aloof and difficult to handle," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. However, the official said Powar insisted that Mithali's axing from the semifinal, which India lost to England by eight wickets, was based on strategy and not acrimony. "He maintained that it was due to poor strike rate that she was dropped against England and also because the team management wanted to maintain a winning combination," the official said. It is learnt that the former spinner, who took over as interim coach a few months ago, did admit to being "indifferent to the seniormost player". Powar was asked why Mithali's strike rate didn't come in the way of her selection for the games against Ireland and Pakistan, he had no response to offer. Mithali scored half-centuries in both the games and was adjudged Player of the Match. Another aspect that came up for discussion was if there was any "external pressure" to drop Mithali from any influential official. The source said Powar denied receiving calls from anybody but claimed to be aware of one "powerful individual in the BCCI" being in touch with team manager (Trupti Bhattacharya) and tour selector (Sudha Shah). On Tuesday, Mithali had also accused Committee of Administrators member Diana Edulji of bias. The ODI captain stated that Edulji used her position against her and made her feel vulnerable. Edulji has not yet reacted to the allegations made by Mithali. The 40-year-old Powar's interim tenure comes to an end on Friday. Even though he will be free to apply for the post when fresh applications are invited, there is little chance that he will be retained as his player management skills have come under scanner due to this incident.

Mithali was 'aloof, difficult to handle': Powar tells BCCI committee

Senior Indian woman cricketer and ODI captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=mithali+raj">Mithali Raj</a> Tuesday lashed out at Committee of Administrators' member Diana Edulji and coach Ramesh Powar, saying a "few people in power are out to destroy me".&nbsp;

Breaking her silence on the omission from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-2018-semi-final-england-thrash-india-178881">World T20 semi-final against England</a> that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss, Mithali alleged that Edulji, who had backed her axing, "used her position against me".

The 35-year-old was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies.&nbsp;

"For the first time in a 20 year long career, I felt deflated, depressed and let down. I am forced to think if my services to my country are of any value to a few people in power who are out to destroy me and break my confidence," she wrote in a letter to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and Cricket Operations GM Saba Karim.

"I would also like to point out that I have nothing against the T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur except for the fact that her call to support the decision of the coach to leave me out of the eleven was baffling and hurtful.

"I wanted to win the world cup for my country and it hurts me because we lost a golden opportunity."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/like-mithali-i-too-was-dropped-at-my-peak-sourav-ganguly-179341">Like Mithali, I too was dropped at my peak: Sourav Ganguly</a>

She slammed Edulji, a former India captain, for defending the team's decision to drop her.

"To put things in perspective, I have always reposed faith in Diana Edulji and have always respected her and her position as a member of the COA, Never did I think she will use her position against me, more after hearing what all I had to go through in the Caribbean as I had spoken to her about it .&nbsp;

"Her brazen support in the press with regard to the decision of my benching in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup has left me deeply distressed, more because she knows the real facts having spoken to me."

On Powar, she narrated a series of instances where she felt slighted by the coach.

"For instance, walking off if I am sitting anywhere around, watching in the nets when others bat but choosing to walk away when I am batting in nets, if I try to go up to him to talk to start looking into his phone and keep walking.

"It was embarrassing and very evident to everyone that I was being humiliated. Yet I never lost my cool," she said.

Senior Indian woman cricketer and ODI captain Mithali Raj Tuesday lashed out at Committee of Administrators' member Diana Edulji and coach Ramesh Powar, saying a "few people in power are out to destroy me".

Senior Indian woman cricketer and ODI captain Mithali Raj Tuesday lashed out at Committee of Administrators' member Diana Edulji and coach Ramesh Powar, saying a "few people in power are out to destroy me". Breaking her silence on the omission from the World T20 semi-final against England that raised quite a few eyebrows after India's eight-wicket loss, Mithali alleged that Edulji, who had backed her axing, "used her position against me". The 35-year-old was dropped despite scoring back-to-back fifties in the group stage of the competition held in the West Indies. "For the first time in a 20 year long career, I felt deflated, depressed and let down. I am forced to think if my services to my country are of any value to a few people in power who are out to destroy me and break my confidence," she wrote in a letter to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and Cricket Operations GM Saba Karim. "I would also like to point out that I have nothing against the T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur except for the fact that her call to support the decision of the coach to leave me out of the eleven was baffling and hurtful. "I wanted to win the world cup for my country and it hurts me because we lost a golden opportunity." Also Read: Like Mithali, I too was dropped at my peak: Sourav Ganguly She slammed Edulji, a former India captain, for defending the team's decision to drop her. "To put things in perspective, I have always reposed faith in Diana Edulji and have always respected her and her position as a member of the COA, Never did I think she will use her position against me, more after hearing what all I had to go through in the Caribbean as I had spoken to her about it . "Her brazen support in the press with regard to the decision of my benching in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup has left me deeply distressed, more because she knows the real facts having spoken to me." On Powar, she narrated a series of instances where she felt slighted by the coach. "For instance, walking off if I am sitting anywhere around, watching in the nets when others bat but choosing to walk away when I am batting in nets, if I try to go up to him to talk to start looking into his phone and keep walking. "It was embarrassing and very evident to everyone that I was being humiliated. Yet I never lost my cool," she said.

'Few people in power are out to destroy me,' says Mithali Raj

The Indian women's T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and ODI skipper Mithali Raj met top BCCI officials on Monday to air their views on the selection call that has triggered a storm after the team's World T20 semi-final loss to England.

Mithali was left out of the team despite being fit and Kaur had gone on to justify the call even after the humiliating eight-wicket loss on Sunday. Both the senior players along with manager Trupti Bhattacharya met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim.

"Yes, we (Johri and Karim) met Mithali, Harman and manager Trupti Bhattacharya. All of them met us separately and put across their viewpoints. We have noted everything down," Johri told PTI.

However, he refused to divulge the details of the meeting.

"Please don't ask me what has been discussed during the meeting," Johri said.

It is expected that Johri and Karim will present a detailed report to the CoA which will then assess and, if required, speak to the individuals concerned.

There is speculation that one of the CoA members has spoken to Mithali but it couldn't be independently verified.

Coach Ramesh Powar is expected to meet Johri and Karim on Wednesday.&nbsp;

While this may not exactly be related to the selection fiasco in Antigua but Powar is unlikely to get an extension as his interim contract ends on November 30.

The BCCI will continue with its policy of inviting fresh applications for the coach's position and Powar will also be eligible to apply.

"Even a player of Anil Kumble's stature was asked to re-apply and we don't see a reason why there should be an exception for Powar. Obviously, Ramesh can also apply but a fresh interviews of interested candidates will take place," a senior BCCI official said on condition of anonymity.

A strong possibility exists that Mithali may never play the shortest format for India again and, like her contemporary Jhulan Goswami, only concentrate on 50-over cricket.

The Indian women's T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and ODI skipper Mithali Raj met top BCCI officials on Monday to air their views on the selection call that has triggered a storm after the team's World T20 semi-final loss to England.

The Indian women's T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and ODI skipper Mithali Raj met top BCCI officials on Monday to air their views on the selection call that has triggered a storm after the team's World T20 semi-final loss to England. Mithali was left out of the team despite being fit and Kaur had gone on to justify the call even after the humiliating eight-wicket loss on Sunday. Both the senior players along with manager Trupti Bhattacharya met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim. "Yes, we (Johri and Karim) met Mithali, Harman and manager Trupti Bhattacharya. All of them met us separately and put across their viewpoints. We have noted everything down," Johri told PTI. However, he refused to divulge the details of the meeting. "Please don't ask me what has been discussed during the meeting," Johri said. It is expected that Johri and Karim will present a detailed report to the CoA which will then assess and, if required, speak to the individuals concerned. There is speculation that one of the CoA members has spoken to Mithali but it couldn't be independently verified. Coach Ramesh Powar is expected to meet Johri and Karim on Wednesday. While this may not exactly be related to the selection fiasco in Antigua but Powar is unlikely to get an extension as his interim contract ends on November 30. The BCCI will continue with its policy of inviting fresh applications for the coach's position and Powar will also be eligible to apply. "Even a player of Anil Kumble's stature was asked to re-apply and we don't see a reason why there should be an exception for Powar. Obviously, Ramesh can also apply but a fresh interviews of interested candidates will take place," a senior BCCI official said on condition of anonymity. A strong possibility exists that Mithali may never play the shortest format for India again and, like her contemporary Jhulan Goswami, only concentrate on 50-over cricket.

Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur meet CEO Johri, GM Karim separately over selection row

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career.&nbsp;

Mithali, the ODI captain, had two back-to-back fifties against Pakistan and Ireland but was rested for the final league game against Australia due to a knee issue and also didn't feature in India's eight-wicket semi-final loss to England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"No! I also have also sat in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said 'Welcome to the group'," Ganguly said at the Tollygunge Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn't play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket. It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door," the 46-year-old said recalling the 2006 second Test against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Ganguly, however, said it's not the end of the road for Mithali.&nbsp;

"You should always remember you're best because you did something and there's an opportunity again. So I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali Raj being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground," he said.&nbsp;

"But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there's no guarantee in life."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commenting on World Cup-winning former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who's form is on the wane of late, Ganguly said he still has the power in him to hit big sixes and should be allowed to go on a high.&nbsp;

"He's another champion. Fantastic career for 12-13 years since winning the World Twenty 20. Just like everyone else he has to perform. There's one must in life: whatever job you do, wherever you are, whatever age you have, how much experience you have you have to keep preforming at the top level otherwise someone else will take your place," he said.

"I wish him all the luck because we want champions to go on a high. I still feel he can hit the ball in the stands. He's a phenomenal cricketer," Ganguly said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked about his take on the 2019 World Cup lineup, Ganguly said: "I am not a selector but I expect 85-90 per cent of this team to play in the World Cup."&nbsp;

Talking on India skipper Virat Kohli, Ganguly said: "He's phenomenal. Look at his numbers. He wears his hat on his sleeves and India needs a captain like him for whom winning means everything. I wish him all the luck."&nbsp;&nbsp;

A 145-page report by the Ethics Centre review into Australian Cricket has refuted the "mistaken" view that CA had overseen a 'win at all costs' policy.&nbsp;

With their series against Australia already underway Ganguly said winning at all costs should be the way but players should not cross the line.&nbsp;

"Nobody wants to go there and lose. In your journey to the tag of winning-at-all-costs, you can still behave, you can still do the right things by not crossing the line. Lot of champions have done it. Look at Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh," Ganguly said, adding that the Aussies have to "be careful" of not repeating another ball-tampering scandal.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is not surprised at the women's cricket team's decision to drop senior most player Mithali Raj for its World T20 semi-final against England, saying he faced the same fate when he was at the peak of his career. Mithali, the ODI captain, had two back-to-back fifties against Pakistan and Ireland but was rested for the final league game against Australia due to a knee issue and also didn't feature in India's eight-wicket semi-final loss to England. "No! I also have also sat in the dugout after captaining India. When I saw Mithali Raj being dropped, I said 'Welcome to the group'," Ganguly said at the Tollygunge Club. "Captains are asked to sit, so just do it. I have done it in Faisalabad. I didn't play an ODI game for 15 months when I was probably the best performer in one-day cricket. It happens in life. The best in the world are at times shown the door," the 46-year-old said recalling the 2006 second Test against Pakistan. Ganguly, however, said it's not the end of the road for Mithali. "You should always remember you're best because you did something and there's an opportunity again. So I am not too disappointed seeing Mithali Raj being asked to sit out. I have not been disappointed to see the reactions on the ground," he said. "But I am disappointed because India lost the semifinals because I thought they had the team to go the distance. It happens as they say there's no guarantee in life." Commenting on World Cup-winning former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who's form is on the wane of late, Ganguly said he still has the power in him to hit big sixes and should be allowed to go on a high. "He's another champion. Fantastic career for 12-13 years since winning the World Twenty 20. Just like everyone else he has to perform. There's one must in life: whatever job you do, wherever you are, whatever age you have, how much experience you have you have to keep preforming at the top level otherwise someone else will take your place," he said. "I wish him all the luck because we want champions to go on a high. I still feel he can hit the ball in the stands. He's a phenomenal cricketer," Ganguly said. Asked about his take on the 2019 World Cup lineup, Ganguly said: "I am not a selector but I expect 85-90 per cent of this team to play in the World Cup." Talking on India skipper Virat Kohli, Ganguly said: "He's phenomenal. Look at his numbers. He wears his hat on his sleeves and India needs a captain like him for whom winning means everything. I wish him all the luck." A 145-page report by the Ethics Centre review into Australian Cricket has refuted the "mistaken" view that CA had overseen a 'win at all costs' policy. With their series against Australia already underway Ganguly said winning at all costs should be the way but players should not cross the line. "Nobody wants to go there and lose. In your journey to the tag of winning-at-all-costs, you can still behave, you can still do the right things by not crossing the line. Lot of champions have done it. Look at Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh," Ganguly said, adding that the Aussies have to "be careful" of not repeating another ball-tampering scandal.

Like Mithali, I too was dropped at my peak: Sourav Ganguly

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The number of missing in California wildfire has jumped past 600, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Earlier the authorities had said over 300 people were missing.

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The United States imposed economic sanctions against seventeen Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi although it said the move to find the killers was a"good first step".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/iccs-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-plunders-ireland-india-enter-semi-final-177603">ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/iccs-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-plunders-ireland-india-enter-semi-final-177603">semi-final</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-friendly-wayne-rooney-says-goodbye-as-england-drub-us-177599">Football friendly: Wayne Rooney says goodbye as England drub </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-friendly-wayne-rooney-says-goodbye-as-england-drub-us-177599">US</a>

As England fans said farewell to one of their finest, they also got a glimpse of the future as Gareth Southgate's team beat the United States 3-0 in a Wembley friendly that doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">US military lays barbed wire at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615"> as migrant caravan approaches</a>

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise. The number of missing in California wildfire has jumped past 600, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Earlier the authorities had said over 300 people were missing. US imposes sanctions against Saudi officials implicated in Khashoggi's murder The United States imposed economic sanctions against seventeen Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi although it said the move to find the killers was a"good first step". ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter semi-final 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. Football friendly: Wayne Rooney says goodbye as England drub US As England fans said farewell to one of their finest, they also got a glimpse of the future as Gareth Southgate's team beat the United States 3-0 in a Wembley friendly that doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game. US military lays barbed wire at border as migrant caravan approaches US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

News Brief: Big news of the day

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

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20.

Played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start, where Raj scored 56, her 16th T20I fifty, to propel India to another convincing win after beating New Zealand in the T20 opener by 34 runs.

India chased down the target with six balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 in 19 overs.&nbsp;

Last game centurion and captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy remained not out on 14 and 8 respectively. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Opting to field after winning the toss, India made a great start with the ball, reducing Pakistan to 30 for 3 at a point.&nbsp;

Pakistan made a fine recovery, thanks to half-centuries from Bismah Maroof (53) and Nida Dar (52) as the duo stitched 93 runs for the fourth wicket to take their side to a competitive total.

However, a flurry of wickets in the final two overs ensured Pakistan finished on 133/7.&nbsp;

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20.

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20. Played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start, where Raj scored 56, her 16th T20I fifty, to propel India to another convincing win after beating New Zealand in the T20 opener by 34 runs. India chased down the target with six balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 in 19 overs. Last game centurion and captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy remained not out on 14 and 8 respectively. Opting to field after winning the toss, India made a great start with the ball, reducing Pakistan to 30 for 3 at a point. Pakistan made a fine recovery, thanks to half-centuries from Bismah Maroof (53) and Nida Dar (52) as the duo stitched 93 runs for the fourth wicket to take their side to a competitive total. However, a flurry of wickets in the final two overs ensured Pakistan finished on 133/7.

ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj guides India to seven-wicket win over Pakistan

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.&nbsp;

Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103.&nbsp;

With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home.&nbsp;

However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles.

That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter.&nbsp;

The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus.

So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings.

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A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3">https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3</a> <a href="https://t.co/odHL9WqQBh">pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh</a>
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The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav.

The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp.

Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar.

The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153.

Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand.

Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs.

Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday.

After a near perfect beginning, the Indian women's team will be overwhelming favourites against arch-rivals Pakistan in its second group league encounter of the ICC World T20 here on Sunday. Not considered among the top T20 teams in the world, India produced a power-packed performance, winning the opener against a formidable New Zealand side by 34 runs after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's 51-ball 103. With momentum firmly on India's side, the 'Women In Blue' would like to set the record straight after losing to their arch-rivals in the 2016 edition at home. However, since that loss in Delhi, India have played Pakistan thrice across two editions of Asia Cup, winning all the battles. That Pakistan lost by a comprehensive 52-run margin to Australia in their lung opener will also give India an upper hand during Sunday's encounter. The best aspect about India's performance against 'White Ferns' was young Jemimah Rodrigues's matured effort. With her skipper going for the jugular, 18-year-old Rodrigues just tapped for singles giving the senior player bulk of the strike. Yet, she managed to hit seven boundaries at a strike rate of 130 plus. So much so that veteran Mithali Raj's services wasn't required during the Indian innings. A heroic Harmanpreet hundred lit up the opening match of #WT20 to help India to victory against New Zealand in Guyana.#NZvIND REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/VQvbMa7sO3 pic.twitter.com/odHL9WqQBh — ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 9, 2018 × The Providence Stadium track proved to be helpful for the slow bowlers with India using as many as four of them in off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Dayalan Hemlatha, leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav. The spinners accounted for eight of the nine New Zealand wickets with lone seamer Arundhati Reddy picking the other scalp. Against Pakistan, India might be tempted to use a second seamer in either Mansi Joshi or Pooja Vastrakar. The Pakistan team has some quality players in skipper Javeria Khan, veteran spinner Sana Mir and all-rounder Bismah Maroof. Against Australia, the Pakistan batting simply fell apart chasing a target of 153. Not a single batter could cross the individual score of 30 with Bismah's 26 being the top scorer. The bowlers were also off the mark during the first eight overs when Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healey took them to the cleaners with a 72-run stand. Sana's off-day (0/32 in 4 overs) was one of the factors for Pakistan not being able to contain Australia during the initial overs. Come Sunday, they will have an onerous task at hand against the high on confidence Indian outfit.

Women's World T20 2018: India start firm favourites against Pakistan

The annual Forbes list of highest-paid athletes reveals that for the first since its inception no female sports stars have made their cut in the list. Last year, Serena Williams, who was the only female athlete to make the 2017 list, fell out of the top 100 for 2018 after missing much of the year to give birth to her first child, Alexis.

Forbes' earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. Endorsement incomes for the same period are then added on.

It is a very sad truth that women-oriented sports does not attract the sponsors and advertisers. Women sports person don't earn as much as their male counterparts.

There is no evidence that boys are more athletically-inclined than girls. It's about the perception and mindset of common people that has led to a reduction in girls overall interest in sports.

There are other factors also, like lack of opportunity and encouragement and majorly disparity in income between men and women athletes. The disparity in the wage rate is one of the reasons for this "testosterone-heavy" Forbes list of highest paid athletes.&nbsp;

Serena's exit from the list is also throwing light on the female athletes who fail to return to their game after giving birth.

Here are some incidents that will throw lights on gender discrimination in sports:

1- Recently, prize money disparity between men and women cricketers was at the display when player Mithali Raj got $250 as a prize money for being the player of the match at the Women’s Asia Cup T20.

2- The lastest payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each.

3- When it comes to sports, income disparity is not limited to the Indian context, a few months back, 59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon.

She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000.

After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her.

Not only that women athletes have been facing other issues which are far more consequential than income disparity, for example, the recent case when US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite female gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries.

In today's scenario, it is important to end this anti-women culture in sports because sports&nbsp;can act as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination.

Serena Williams was the only woman on the list last year

The annual Forbes list of highest-paid athletes reveals that for the first since its inception no female sports stars have made their cut in the list. Last year, Serena Williams, who was the only female athlete to make the 2017 list, fell out of the top 100 for 2018 after missing much of the year to give birth to her first child, Alexis. Forbes' earnings figures include all prize money, salaries and bonuses earned between June 1, 2017, and June 1, 2018. Endorsement incomes for the same period are then added on. It is a very sad truth that women-oriented sports does not attract the sponsors and advertisers. Women sports person don't earn as much as their male counterparts. There is no evidence that boys are more athletically-inclined than girls. It's about the perception and mindset of common people that has led to a reduction in girls overall interest in sports. There are other factors also, like lack of opportunity and encouragement and majorly disparity in income between men and women athletes. The disparity in the wage rate is one of the reasons for this "testosterone-heavy" Forbes list of highest paid athletes. Serena's exit from the list is also throwing light on the female athletes who fail to return to their game after giving birth. Here are some incidents that will throw lights on gender discrimination in sports: 1- Recently, prize money disparity between men and women cricketers was at the display when player Mithali Raj got $250 as a prize money for being the player of the match at the Women’s Asia Cup T20. 2- The lastest payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each. 3- When it comes to sports, income disparity is not limited to the Indian context, a few months back, 59-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova revealed that she was paid at least 10-times less than her fellow Wimbledon pundit John McEnroe by BBC for their broadcasting roles at Wimbledon. She accused the British broadcaster when they published the salaries of their highest-paid stars last July, in brackets of £50,000. After analysing the salary brackets, she realised that her fellow presenter McEnroe's pay packet was between £150,000 and £199,999 which was comparatively more than her. Not only that women athletes have been facing other issues which are far more consequential than income disparity, for example, the recent case when US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite female gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries. In today's scenario, it is important to end this anti-women culture in sports because sports can act as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination.

World's highest-paid athletes: Not 1 woman on the list. Here's why

Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj on Saturday was adjudged 'Sportsperson of the Year'.&nbsp

Ace shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu bagged the best senior male and female athletes at the Telangana Sports Journalists Association annual awards for 2017 here today.

Mithali Raj was not present to receive the award and her parents received it on her behalf from B V Papa Rao, Advisor to the Telangana government.

Former BCCI president N Shivlal Yadav gave away the 'best senior male athlete' award to Srikanth while tennis star Sania Mirza presented the 'best senior female athlete' award to Sindhu.

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman presented 'best coach of the year' award to Gopichand, who received this award for second time in a row, an Association release said.

Ace gymnast B Aruna Reddy was honoured with the outstanding achievment award at the event, the release added.

Kidambi and Sindhu bagged the best senior male and female athletes

Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj on Saturday was adjudged 'Sportsperson of the Year'. Ace shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu bagged the best senior male and female athletes at the Telangana Sports Journalists Association annual awards for 2017 here today. Mithali Raj was not present to receive the award and her parents received it on her behalf from B V Papa Rao, Advisor to the Telangana government. Former BCCI president N Shivlal Yadav gave away the 'best senior male athlete' award to Srikanth while tennis star Sania Mirza presented the 'best senior female athlete' award to Sindhu. Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman presented 'best coach of the year' award to Gopichand, who received this award for second time in a row, an Association release said. Ace gymnast B Aruna Reddy was honoured with the outstanding achievment award at the event, the release added.

Mithali Raj adjudged 'Sportsperson of the Year'

&quot;I am the first ever female AMA pro hill-climb racer. I&rsquo;m rather excited by all the attention I am getting because of this, but I&rsquo;m also a little disappointed that it has taken so long for women to step into this position&quot; -Cathy Templeton

In the Indian context, for ages, men have dominated sports. However, in recent times, we are witnessing some forms of women empowerment in sports.

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India have won their two opening games. Pakistan have lost theirs, so the pressure will be on them. In photo: Indian skipper Mithali Raj bats against England. (Zee News Network)
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Sachin and Dravid might have inspired a thousand boys to pursue cricket but to encourage a single girl to play cricket, a Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami was needed.

I have seen many boys going crazy after the killer looks and fighting style of Vijender Singh but to incline a girl towards boxing, a Mary Kom was needed.

&nbsp;

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It is India&#39;s second medal in the 2016 Rio Games after wrestler Sakshi Malik bagged bronze in the women&#39;s 58 kg category. (Reuters)
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It was PV Sindhu who made the nation proud when she won a shining silver at the 2016 Summer Olympics and became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal motivating millions to be a shuttler.

There are &#39;few&#39; other women in Indian sports in the past who have put India on the world map of sports, like sprinter P.T Usha also known as the queen of Indian track, the freestyle Indian wrestlers, such as Sakshi Malik, Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, Aditi Ashok has been an Indian professional golfer, Karnam Malleswari represented India in weightlifting.

India has somewhat arrived when it comes to women in sports. They have fought various constraints, social factors and taboos to enter into sports.

It is only today with women like tennis star Sania Mirza, ace cricketer Mithali Raj and &#39;the golden girl of Indian badminton,&#39; Saina Nehwal coming into their own with an immense amount of media coverage that women have been accepted as major sports stars and role models in their own right.

Even Bollywood is playing an important role in showcasing the life and journey of some women personalities, like Priyanka Chopra playing Mary Kom, Shraddha Kapoor will play Saina Nehwal in the biopic of the young badminton player.

When we talk about the US, Russia or any other sports enthusiast countries, we can see the governing bodies have put in a lot of efforts to encourage new entrants in the field of sports irrespective of gender. If the candidate has potential then spots association and governing bodies will invest in her/him from the tender age of 5-6.

Norway, a country with a population of five million dominated the recently concluded Winter Olympic, has the philosophy &quot;sport for all&quot; that helped the youth to get involved in all type of sports and have a flourishing future.

Norway sports facilities have formed part of Norwegian public health policies to increase physical activity among children and teenagers. In recent years, large sums of public money were spent on promoting sports facilities. Also, Norway provides free health care, which helps to keep young athletic talent in a good shape.

Ragnhild Mowinckel, an Alpine skier of Norway said, &quot;The culture and the environment we grow up in, it&rsquo;s great for us.&quot;

Women are far more visible in sports today than at any previous point in history but India still lacks behind due to the dirty politics of association and the ugly side of some officials.

As a sports writer, I feel very positive when I see lots of women tournament happening around the world in various sports, the tournaments that have the potential to leave social and economic legacies.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A few cases still bother me, when a US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries.

And also the gender-based discrimination, that is the reason when women athletes face a huge pay gap. For example, the recent payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each.

On the one hand, women face disparity in salaries, access to sponsorships but we must not forget that sports act can as a catalyst to amplify women&#39;s voices against gender barriers and discrimination but the dark side of sports events that cause violence against women and girls have to be removed to instill women empowerment in sports in real terms.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Women face disparity in salaries, access to sponsorships but we must not forget that sports act can as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination.

"I am the first ever female AMA pro hill-climb racer. I’m rather excited by all the attention I am getting because of this, but I’m also a little disappointed that it has taken so long for women to step into this position" -Cathy Templeton In the Indian context, for ages, men have dominated sports. However, in recent times, we are witnessing some forms of women empowerment in sports. India have won their two opening games. Pakistan have lost theirs, so the pressure will be on them. In photo: Indian skipper Mithali Raj bats against England. (Zee News Network) × Sachin and Dravid might have inspired a thousand boys to pursue cricket but to encourage a single girl to play cricket, a Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami was needed. I have seen many boys going crazy after the killer looks and fighting style of Vijender Singh but to incline a girl towards boxing, a Mary Kom was needed. It is India's second medal in the 2016 Rio Games after wrestler Sakshi Malik bagged bronze in the women's 58 kg category. (Reuters) × It was PV Sindhu who made the nation proud when she won a shining silver at the 2016 Summer Olympics and became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal motivating millions to be a shuttler. There are 'few' other women in Indian sports in the past who have put India on the world map of sports, like sprinter P.T Usha also known as the queen of Indian track, the freestyle Indian wrestlers, such as Sakshi Malik, Geeta Phogat, Babita Phogat, Aditi Ashok has been an Indian professional golfer, Karnam Malleswari represented India in weightlifting. India has somewhat arrived when it comes to women in sports. They have fought various constraints, social factors and taboos to enter into sports. It is only today with women like tennis star Sania Mirza, ace cricketer Mithali Raj and 'the golden girl of Indian badminton,' Saina Nehwal coming into their own with an immense amount of media coverage that women have been accepted as major sports stars and role models in their own right. Even Bollywood is playing an important role in showcasing the life and journey of some women personalities, like Priyanka Chopra playing Mary Kom, Shraddha Kapoor will play Saina Nehwal in the biopic of the young badminton player. When we talk about the US, Russia or any other sports enthusiast countries, we can see the governing bodies have put in a lot of efforts to encourage new entrants in the field of sports irrespective of gender. If the candidate has potential then spots association and governing bodies will invest in her/him from the tender age of 5-6. Norway, a country with a population of five million dominated the recently concluded Winter Olympic, has the philosophy "sport for all" that helped the youth to get involved in all type of sports and have a flourishing future. Norway sports facilities have formed part of Norwegian public health policies to increase physical activity among children and teenagers. In recent years, large sums of public money were spent on promoting sports facilities. Also, Norway provides free health care, which helps to keep young athletic talent in a good shape. Ragnhild Mowinckel, an Alpine skier of Norway said, "The culture and the environment we grow up in, it’s great for us." Women are far more visible in sports today than at any previous point in history but India still lacks behind due to the dirty politics of association and the ugly side of some officials. As a sports writer, I feel very positive when I see lots of women tournament happening around the world in various sports, the tournaments that have the potential to leave social and economic legacies. A few cases still bother me, when a US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was charged with sexual abuse of some elite gymnasts. He assaulted victims during treatment for injuries. And also the gender-based discrimination, that is the reason when women athletes face a huge pay gap. For example, the recent payscale of BCCI, in which the wages parity is beyond comparison. Grade C men players to receive INR 1 cr each and grade C women players to receive INR 10 lacs each. On the one hand, women face disparity in salaries, access to sponsorships but we must not forget that sports act can as a catalyst to amplify women's voices against gender barriers and discrimination but the dark side of sports events that cause violence against women and girls have to be removed to instill women empowerment in sports in real terms. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: On International Women's Day, women sportsperson need to demand equal wage and respect as men

The Indian women cricket team is on a roll. Their limited-overs tour to South Africa has been one of their most successful ones in recent times. After defeating the hosts 2-1 in the ODI series under Mithali Raj&rsquo;s captaincy, they now have an unassailable 2-1 lead in the T20Is as well. With the fifth and last game of the T20I series set to be played today at Newlands, Cape Town, India now stands a rare chance of double limited-overs whammy on this high-profile tour. Clinching the T20Is series would ensure that their tour ends on a complete successful note.&nbsp;

India has been thoroughly dominant in their performances here and barring a couple of occasions have looked like a well-balanced side. However, there are some causes of worry that captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her girls would like to address before the final T20I. After winning the first two games comfortably, they let the intensity dip and have not been up to their standards. The inclusion of bowlers Rumeli Dhar and Deepti Sharma in the last game, seen as a measure to strengthen their bowling unit, hasn&rsquo;t really paid rich dividends. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who was so successful in the ODI series, has been rather expensive in the two games she has played and has gone at an expensive economy rate of 8.50. &nbsp;

Clearly, India&rsquo;s spin bowling department is a cause for concern and that is something that the team management would need to work on before the Women&#39;s World T20 in November in West Indies.

Another issue that needs to be worked on is India&rsquo;s lower order which hasn&rsquo;t been able to contribute successfully. They have failed to capitalize on the robust starts provided by the Indian top-order, who has been in sensational form. The lower order has not been tested enough and in the third ODI India lost their last five wickets for nine runs.

The wicket at Cape Town for the final T20I is likely to be a high-scoring one and the Indian team would be banking on their batswomen to bail them through again. Star batswoman Mithali Raj and opener Smriti Mandhana have been India&rsquo;s top two run-getters of the series and would continue to provide India with solid starts. They would also seek solid contributions from Veda Krishnamurthy, who was excellent in the ODI series, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

And since South Africa has been handling India&rsquo;s spinners rather well, perhaps the inclusion of another pacer, Shikha Pandey, would not be a bad idea as well.

The T20I series in South Africa was an important one for the Indian women&rsquo;s team. With the World T20 just a few months away now, they need to look at their best possible combinations. They have been poor in the format and have suffered first-round exits in each of the last three editions of the World T20. This time, however, they have the team to make a difference and their performance in the first two T20Is against South Africa in this series certainly reflects that.

This final T20I against South Africa is hence of immense significance to India. Last year, the Indian women&rsquo;s team had made the nation proud by reaching the finals of the 50-over World Cup in England in emphatic fashion. The sport has gained a lot of attention and momentum in the country post the success of the World Cup and a win here would not only mean a successful T20I series victory against a top side away from home but will also hold Team India in good stead for the challenge of the World T20 later this year and will come as another shot in the arm for women&rsquo;s cricket in India. 
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Indian women cricketers look to round off successful tour to South Africa with T20I series win. However, lower order and spinners need to be sorted before Women's World T20 in November in West Indies arrives.

The Indian women cricket team is on a roll. Their limited-overs tour to South Africa has been one of their most successful ones in recent times. After defeating the hosts 2-1 in the ODI series under Mithali Raj’s captaincy, they now have an unassailable 2-1 lead in the T20Is as well. With the fifth and last game of the T20I series set to be played today at Newlands, Cape Town, India now stands a rare chance of double limited-overs whammy on this high-profile tour. Clinching the T20Is series would ensure that their tour ends on a complete successful note. India has been thoroughly dominant in their performances here and barring a couple of occasions have looked like a well-balanced side. However, there are some causes of worry that captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her girls would like to address before the final T20I. After winning the first two games comfortably, they let the intensity dip and have not been up to their standards. The inclusion of bowlers Rumeli Dhar and Deepti Sharma in the last game, seen as a measure to strengthen their bowling unit, hasn’t really paid rich dividends. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who was so successful in the ODI series, has been rather expensive in the two games she has played and has gone at an expensive economy rate of 8.50. Clearly, India’s spin bowling department is a cause for concern and that is something that the team management would need to work on before the Women's World T20 in November in West Indies. Another issue that needs to be worked on is India’s lower order which hasn’t been able to contribute successfully. They have failed to capitalize on the robust starts provided by the Indian top-order, who has been in sensational form. The lower order has not been tested enough and in the third ODI India lost their last five wickets for nine runs. The wicket at Cape Town for the final T20I is likely to be a high-scoring one and the Indian team would be banking on their batswomen to bail them through again. Star batswoman Mithali Raj and opener Smriti Mandhana have been India’s top two run-getters of the series and would continue to provide India with solid starts. They would also seek solid contributions from Veda Krishnamurthy, who was excellent in the ODI series, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. And since South Africa has been handling India’s spinners rather well, perhaps the inclusion of another pacer, Shikha Pandey, would not be a bad idea as well. The T20I series in South Africa was an important one for the Indian women’s team. With the World T20 just a few months away now, they need to look at their best possible combinations. They have been poor in the format and have suffered first-round exits in each of the last three editions of the World T20. This time, however, they have the team to make a difference and their performance in the first two T20Is against South Africa in this series certainly reflects that. This final T20I against South Africa is hence of immense significance to India. Last year, the Indian women’s team had made the nation proud by reaching the finals of the 50-over World Cup in England in emphatic fashion. The sport has gained a lot of attention and momentum in the country post the success of the World Cup and a win here would not only mean a successful T20I series victory against a top side away from home but will also hold Team India in good stead for the challenge of the World T20 later this year and will come as another shot in the arm for women’s cricket in India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Indian bats-women Mithali Raj again a star in South Africa T20I, but what about lower order?

Smriti Mandhana extended her rich vein of form in her maiden tour of South Africa by registering her third fifty-plus score across formats.

Mithali Raj also scored her fourth successive half-century in the 20-over format - her second in the current series against South Africa - to help India secure a nine-wicket victory.&nbsp;

With this win, India took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

As many as seven South African batters got into double digits to help the hosts finish with a total of 142 for 7.&nbsp;

Poonam Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs.&nbsp;

In reply, India rode on a 106-run stand between Mandhana, 57 off 42 and Raj 76 not out off 61, with the latter scoring her third unbeaten half-century in as many innings in T20Is.&nbsp;

India&#39;s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to find the boundaries and finished the match without one.&nbsp;

But Raj didn&#39;t get the pressure get to India as she found the fence four times in the last four overs, including one off Shabnim Ismail off the first ball of the final over which helped India over the line.

Mandhana registered her third fifty-plus score across formats

Smriti Mandhana extended her rich vein of form in her maiden tour of South Africa by registering her third fifty-plus score across formats. Mithali Raj also scored her fourth successive half-century in the 20-over format - her second in the current series against South Africa - to help India secure a nine-wicket victory. With this win, India took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. As many as seven South African batters got into double digits to help the hosts finish with a total of 142 for 7. Poonam Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs. In reply, India rode on a 106-run stand between Mandhana, 57 off 42 and Raj 76 not out off 61, with the latter scoring her third unbeaten half-century in as many innings in T20Is. India's T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to find the boundaries and finished the match without one. But Raj didn't get the pressure get to India as she found the fence four times in the last four overs, including one off Shabnim Ismail off the first ball of the final over which helped India over the line.

Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana power India to 2-0 lead

Sometimes a movie comes so close to reality. Not many will disagree that Shahrukh Khan&rsquo;s Chak De India, released in 2007, has been one of the most inspiring sports movies ever. It was a saga about a bunch of girls from the hinterland, each one of whom came with her own set of problems but they came together and became the world beater.

&nbsp;

So, when Indian women cricketers were marching ahead last year in the ICC World Cup, it was a Chak De India moment for the country. Unfortunately, they lost nerves in the final and lost out from a very comfortable situation, but a clear statement was made by them.

&nbsp;

The way they routed Australia in the semi-final was a delight to watch. Harmanpreet&rsquo;s&nbsp; knock of 171 was an epic performance, once in a lifetime sort of.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The World Cup 2017 catapulted the Indian team to a different level altogether. India produced great women cricketers over the past few years and they came to the fore. Take the case of captain Mithali Raj, who is one among finest women batting legends ever, or say Jhulan Goswami who is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers the game has produced and she is the highest wicket-taker in ODI.

&nbsp;

India&rsquo;s prowess was evident when the side easily defeated South Africa yesterday in the first ODI of three ODI series in South Africa. So, it was a double bonanza for Indians. On 4th February, Indian men humbled South Africa and, next day, it was the turn of Indian women to repeat the act.

&nbsp;

It is so gratifying to see that how Indian sportswomen have taken the centre stage over the past decade, coincidently after Chak De India was released. It was first Sania Mirza in Tennis, Saina Nehwal in Badminton and Mary Kom in Boxing. Then it was Phogat sisters, who sizzled in the wrestling arena.&nbsp; This, however, reached its peak in 2016-17. In 2016, PV Sindhu&rsquo;s silver medal at the Rio Olympic in Badminton has been, unarguably, one of finest moments ever in Indian sports history. Another medal was won by Sakshi Malik in wrestling. It was a defining moment for the country. India has been riddled with gender biases against women since ages. However, it was women who won all the medals at the Olympic for the country in 2016.

&nbsp;

Coming back to the ODI yesterday. Indian ladies won with immaculate ease and with a margin of 88 runs. Make no mistake. South Africa is a strong side and the margin of 88 runs is huge. They defeated India in a group match in the World Cup last year and, thus, it was a sweet revenge there for Indian women. Young Smriti Mandhana struck with lovely 84 and captain and veteran Mithali Raj spearheaded the innings in middle by a gritty 45.

&nbsp;

But it was Jhulan who ripped through South African batting line-up with four wickets. 35 years of age, Jhulan proved that age is just a number and she still has a lot to deliver. Shikha Pandey with three wickets supported her well.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With this victory, Indian ladies have set the tone for the three-match ODI series and three-match T-20 series. Let&rsquo;s hope they will sweep both.

&nbsp;

But for the time being, let&rsquo;s all hail our superwomen; you have been doing the country proud, relentlessly.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian ladies won with immaculate ease and with a margin of 88 runs. Make no mistake. South Africa is a strong side and the margin of 88 runs is huge.

Sometimes a movie comes so close to reality. Not many will disagree that Shahrukh Khan’s Chak De India, released in 2007, has been one of the most inspiring sports movies ever. It was a saga about a bunch of girls from the hinterland, each one of whom came with her own set of problems but they came together and became the world beater. So, when Indian women cricketers were marching ahead last year in the ICC World Cup, it was a Chak De India moment for the country. Unfortunately, they lost nerves in the final and lost out from a very comfortable situation, but a clear statement was made by them. The way they routed Australia in the semi-final was a delight to watch. Harmanpreet’s knock of 171 was an epic performance, once in a lifetime sort of. The World Cup 2017 catapulted the Indian team to a different level altogether. India produced great women cricketers over the past few years and they came to the fore. Take the case of captain Mithali Raj, who is one among finest women batting legends ever, or say Jhulan Goswami who is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers the game has produced and she is the highest wicket-taker in ODI. India’s prowess was evident when the side easily defeated South Africa yesterday in the first ODI of three ODI series in South Africa. So, it was a double bonanza for Indians. On 4th February, Indian men humbled South Africa and, next day, it was the turn of Indian women to repeat the act. It is so gratifying to see that how Indian sportswomen have taken the centre stage over the past decade, coincidently after Chak De India was released. It was first Sania Mirza in Tennis, Saina Nehwal in Badminton and Mary Kom in Boxing. Then it was Phogat sisters, who sizzled in the wrestling arena. This, however, reached its peak in 2016-17. In 2016, PV Sindhu’s silver medal at the Rio Olympic in Badminton has been, unarguably, one of finest moments ever in Indian sports history. Another medal was won by Sakshi Malik in wrestling. It was a defining moment for the country. India has been riddled with gender biases against women since ages. However, it was women who won all the medals at the Olympic for the country in 2016. Coming back to the ODI yesterday. Indian ladies won with immaculate ease and with a margin of 88 runs. Make no mistake. South Africa is a strong side and the margin of 88 runs is huge. They defeated India in a group match in the World Cup last year and, thus, it was a sweet revenge there for Indian women. Young Smriti Mandhana struck with lovely 84 and captain and veteran Mithali Raj spearheaded the innings in middle by a gritty 45. But it was Jhulan who ripped through South African batting line-up with four wickets. 35 years of age, Jhulan proved that age is just a number and she still has a lot to deliver. Shikha Pandey with three wickets supported her well. With this victory, Indian ladies have set the tone for the three-match ODI series and three-match T-20 series. Let’s hope they will sweep both. But for the time being, let’s all hail our superwomen; you have been doing the country proud, relentlessly. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Despite gender bias, India's women cricketers make the nation proud

The Indian women&#39;s cricket team landed in Mumbai early on Wednesday.&nbsp;

They were met with a rousing welcome from their fans.&nbsp;

&quot;None of us ever experienced this kind of reception,&quot; ANI reported captain Mithali Raj as saying.&nbsp;

&quot;Good that women are doing really in sports and they should be celebrated,&quot; she added. &nbsp;

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None of us ever experienced this kind of reception, good that women are doing really well in sports &amp; they should be celebrated: Mithali Raj <a href="https://t.co/DHspQXf4iY">pic.twitter.com/DHspQXf4iY</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/890085449523503104">July 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian team had got to the finals of the recent World Cup held in England and looked on course to win when a late burst from England took the game away from them.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Indian Women&#39;s cricket team arrived in Mumbai in early morning hours to a rousing welcome by the fans cheering the team. <a href="https://t.co/2Lyjkfe8KO">pic.twitter.com/2Lyjkfe8KO</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/890036842329890816">July 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Despite the loss in the final -- the team had won pretty much everything up to then -- some commentators have said the side has changed the women&#39;s game in the country forever.&nbsp;

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Indian Women&#39;s cricket team arrives in Mumbai, welcomed by fans <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensWorldCup2017?src=hash">#WomensWorldCup2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/D4Hbcl1uEr">pic.twitter.com/D4Hbcl1uEr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/889994184446197761">July 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The team lost in the recent World Cup final to England

The Indian women's cricket team landed in Mumbai early on Wednesday. They were met with a rousing welcome from their fans. "None of us ever experienced this kind of reception," ANI reported captain Mithali Raj as saying. "Good that women are doing really in sports and they should be celebrated," she added. None of us ever experienced this kind of reception, good that women are doing really well in sports & they should be celebrated: Mithali Raj pic.twitter.com/DHspQXf4iY — ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017 × The Indian team had got to the finals of the recent World Cup held in England and looked on course to win when a late burst from England took the game away from them. #WATCH: Indian Women's cricket team arrived in Mumbai in early morning hours to a rousing welcome by the fans cheering the team. pic.twitter.com/2Lyjkfe8KO — ANI (@ANI_news) July 26, 2017 × Despite the loss in the final -- the team had won pretty much everything up to then -- some commentators have said the side has changed the women's game in the country forever. Indian Women's cricket team arrives in Mumbai, welcomed by fans #WomensWorldCup2017 pic.twitter.com/D4Hbcl1uEr — ANI (@ANI_news) July 25, 2017 ×

Watch: Indian women's cricket team returns to rousing welcome

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

It is a big day for India&#39;s women&#39;s cricket team as they take on Australia in the World Cup semi-final at Derby today. The match has been reduced to 42 overs&nbsp;after torrential rain hit the ground early in the morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-beat-south-africa-to-enter-womens-world-cup-final-18055">England beat South Africa in the first semi-final to enter the Women&#39;s World Cup final</a>.

Indian captain Mithali Raj won the toss and has elected to bat first.

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????v???? 
 
Here come the teams! <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/yl14sUdXAj">pic.twitter.com/yl14sUdXAj</a>
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India XI

S Mandhana, P Raut, M Raj, H Kaur, D Sharma, V Krishnamurthy, S Verma, J Goswami, S Pandey, R Gayakwad, P Yadav

Australia XI

B Mooney, N Bolton, M Lanning, E Perry, E Villani, A Blackwell, A Healy, A Gardner, J Jonassen, M Schutt, K Beams

India

1st Over:&nbsp;Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut&nbsp;will open the batting for India.&nbsp;Smriti Mandhana hits a boundary. Out, Smriti caught at covers.&nbsp;India loses&nbsp;their first wicket. Indian captain Mithali Raj walks in to bat.

India: 6/1

8th&nbsp;Over: Mithali Raj and&nbsp;Punam Raut have taken control, Mithali is batting confidently on 8(21 balls) Raut is giving her company with 13(21). India needs&nbsp;to keep their nerves in this crucial semi-final. Remember this is a 42-over match.

India: 30/1

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MithaliRaj?src=hash">#MithaliRaj</a> is now the top run scorer at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a>! ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/ffOYveOsnM">pic.twitter.com/ffOYveOsnM</a>
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20th Over: India have lost 2 wickets but Mithali Raj is keeping Australia at bay. The Indian captain is batting on 29(52balls) with&nbsp;Harmanpreet Kaur giving her company at the other end on 30(15) balls. India lost the second wicket of Raut who fell in the 10th over after scoring just 14 in 26 balls with 2 boundaries.

India: 85/2

30th Over: India lost the wicket of Mithali Raj in the 25th over. The Indian captain fell after scoring a 36 in 61 balls with 2 boundaries. Harmeet Kaur has held India&#39;s innings together batting on 71 studded with 9 boundaries and a six, Deepti Sharma is giving her company at the other end.

India: 126/3

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?????? 
 
The India fans loved <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a>&#39;s half-century! <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/K0sGyYjqV8">pic.twitter.com/K0sGyYjqV8</a>
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35th Over: &nbsp;Harmanpreet&nbsp;Kaur hits a century! She has scored her ton in just 90 balls with 12 boundaries and 2 Sixes, this is her big moment. This could become a match winning knock, India needs to up the ante now.

India: 185/3

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An Innings of a lifetime , Harmanpreet Kaur . What wonderful clean hitting. More than 60% of India&#39;s runs. 
Fan ! Over to the Bowlers now. <a href="https://t.co/xZlIB2SW4x">pic.twitter.com/xZlIB2SW4x</a>
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/888065625741905920">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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That&#39;s brutal power by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a>! Hope it turns out to be a match winning knock ??. Some serious hitting there. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen">@BCCIWomen</a>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/888064195526352896">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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CENTURY! <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> brings up her third ODI century off 90 balls! Congratulations! ??<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/963kAY029B">pic.twitter.com/963kAY029B</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888051287803273216">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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37th Over:&nbsp;Gardner set to bowl another over, Harmanpreet&nbsp;Kaur on strike. SIX, SIX, 4,4. BRILLIANT.&nbsp; Harmanpreet is on fire. 2 off the last ball. India has upped the ante in style with&nbsp;Harmanpreet leading the charge.&nbsp;Harmanpreet 126(98balls) 15 boundaries, 4 sixes. India is on a roll. Deepti Sharma is playing a great supporting role still there on 23 off 31 balls, the pair has already added 114 runs for the fourth wicket.

India: 215/3

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?????? 
 
Standing ovation from her ???? teammates as <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> brings up her ??<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/ZsaTeO4iz5">pic.twitter.com/ZsaTeO4iz5</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888052663035842560">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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42nd Overs: The Indian innings has finally ended. Harmanpreet&nbsp;Kaur has propelled India to 281/4 hitting a brilliant 171 in just 115 balls with 20 boundaries and seven massive sixes. Australia need&nbsp;282 runs to beat India, will they be able to? Tough task ahead for the Aussies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Take a bow, <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> ?? 
 
Mobbed by her teammates &amp; rightly so, what an innings!<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/xAOtu7J4WQ">pic.twitter.com/xAOtu7J4WQ</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888063881758863361">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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???????? Outstanding <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/OVHWXfKwdz">pic.twitter.com/OVHWXfKwdz</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888064756418043904">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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One special knock this from <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> , big match player. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash">#AUSvsIND</a>
&mdash; Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/888060077189419010">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian captain Mithali Raj won the toss and chose to bat first in the crucial semi-final match against Australia

It is a big day for India's women's cricket team as they take on Australia in the World Cup semi-final at Derby today. The match has been reduced to 42 overs after torrential rain hit the ground early in the morning. England beat South Africa in the first semi-final to enter the Women's World Cup final. Indian captain Mithali Raj won the toss and has elected to bat first. ????v???? Here come the teams! #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/yl14sUdXAj — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × India XI S Mandhana, P Raut, M Raj, H Kaur, D Sharma, V Krishnamurthy, S Verma, J Goswami, S Pandey, R Gayakwad, P Yadav Australia XI B Mooney, N Bolton, M Lanning, E Perry, E Villani, A Blackwell, A Healy, A Gardner, J Jonassen, M Schutt, K Beams India 1st Over: Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut will open the batting for India. Smriti Mandhana hits a boundary. Out, Smriti caught at covers. India loses their first wicket. Indian captain Mithali Raj walks in to bat. India: 6/1 8th Over: Mithali Raj and Punam Raut have taken control, Mithali is batting confidently on 8(21 balls) Raut is giving her company with 13(21). India needs to keep their nerves in this crucial semi-final. Remember this is a 42-over match. India: 30/1 #MithaliRaj is now the top run scorer at #WWC17! ?? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ffOYveOsnM — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × 20th Over: India have lost 2 wickets but Mithali Raj is keeping Australia at bay. The Indian captain is batting on 29(52balls) with Harmanpreet Kaur giving her company at the other end on 30(15) balls. India lost the second wicket of Raut who fell in the 10th over after scoring just 14 in 26 balls with 2 boundaries. India: 85/2 30th Over: India lost the wicket of Mithali Raj in the 25th over. The Indian captain fell after scoring a 36 in 61 balls with 2 boundaries. Harmeet Kaur has held India's innings together batting on 71 studded with 9 boundaries and a six, Deepti Sharma is giving her company at the other end. India: 126/3 ?????? The India fans loved @ImHarmanpreet's half-century! #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/K0sGyYjqV8 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × 35th Over: Harmanpreet Kaur hits a century! She has scored her ton in just 90 balls with 12 boundaries and 2 Sixes, this is her big moment. This could become a match winning knock, India needs to up the ante now. India: 185/3 An Innings of a lifetime , Harmanpreet Kaur . What wonderful clean hitting. More than 60% of India's runs. Fan ! Over to the Bowlers now. pic.twitter.com/xZlIB2SW4x — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 20, 2017 × That's brutal power by @ImHarmanpreet! Hope it turns out to be a match winning knock ??. Some serious hitting there. #WWC17 @BCCIWomen — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) July 20, 2017 × CENTURY! @ImHarmanpreet brings up her third ODI century off 90 balls! Congratulations! ??#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/963kAY029B — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × 37th Over: Gardner set to bowl another over, Harmanpreet Kaur on strike. SIX, SIX, 4,4. BRILLIANT. Harmanpreet is on fire. 2 off the last ball. India has upped the ante in style with Harmanpreet leading the charge. Harmanpreet 126(98balls) 15 boundaries, 4 sixes. India is on a roll. Deepti Sharma is playing a great supporting role still there on 23 off 31 balls, the pair has already added 114 runs for the fourth wicket. India: 215/3 ?????? Standing ovation from her ???? teammates as @ImHarmanpreet brings up her ??#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/ZsaTeO4iz5 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × 42nd Overs: The Indian innings has finally ended. Harmanpreet Kaur has propelled India to 281/4 hitting a brilliant 171 in just 115 balls with 20 boundaries and seven massive sixes. Australia need 282 runs to beat India, will they be able to? Tough task ahead for the Aussies. Take a bow, @ImHarmanpreet ?? Mobbed by her teammates & rightly so, what an innings!#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/xAOtu7J4WQ — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × ???????? Outstanding @ImHarmanpreet! #WWC17 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/OVHWXfKwdz — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 × One special knock this from @ImHarmanpreet , big match player. #AUSvsIND — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) July 20, 2017 ×

Women's World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet?Kaur's ton puts India on top against Australia

England beat South Africa by two wickets with two balls to spare in the last over to reach the finals&nbsp;of the Women&#39;s World Cup at Bristol.

South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare.

Earlier, South African captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Laura Wolvaardt hit a confident 66(100 balls) studded with 8 boundaries along with Mignon du Preez who hit 76 in 95 balls with five&nbsp;boundaries even as the English bowlers kept a tight line to keep the South Africans at bay.

The South African top and middle order failed to step on the gas as English bowlers Shrubsole, Sciver, Gunn and Knight picked up wickets at regular intervals with Kapp and skipper Niekerk losing their wicket softly to runouts.

Luus and Preez took South Africa to 218 for 6 in their 50 overs after they lost six wickets for 170.

England in reply kept up with the run rate even though the hosts kept losing wickets. Sarah Taylor hit 54 in 76 balls with seven boundaries before being run out as England innings stuttered in the middle overs.

Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole held their nerves to take England beyond the finish line as Shrubsole closed the match with a boundary to take her team into the finals.

England now awaits the winner of the match between Australia and India to be played on Thursday at Derby.&nbsp;

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The winning moment!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/IRtcweQxvV">pic.twitter.com/IRtcweQxvV</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887348226814246912">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Thanks for your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskCaptain?src=hash">#AskCaptain</a> question <a href="https://twitter.com/malavika21">@malavika21</a> - here&#39;s a message from winning captain, and finalist, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeatherKnight?src=hash">#HeatherKnight</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/lgtu1yIfNF">pic.twitter.com/lgtu1yIfNF</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887349434320924672">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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With 54 and top work behind the stumps, congratulations to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> semi-final Player of the Match, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarah_Taylor30">@Sarah_Taylor30</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/lPR7kRZCho">pic.twitter.com/lPR7kRZCho</a>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887347865181401088">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare

England beat South Africa by two wickets with two balls to spare in the last over to reach the finals of the Women's World Cup at Bristol. South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare. Earlier, South African captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Laura Wolvaardt hit a confident 66(100 balls) studded with 8 boundaries along with Mignon du Preez who hit 76 in 95 balls with five boundaries even as the English bowlers kept a tight line to keep the South Africans at bay. The South African top and middle order failed to step on the gas as English bowlers Shrubsole, Sciver, Gunn and Knight picked up wickets at regular intervals with Kapp and skipper Niekerk losing their wicket softly to runouts. Luus and Preez took South Africa to 218 for 6 in their 50 overs after they lost six wickets for 170. England in reply kept up with the run rate even though the hosts kept losing wickets. Sarah Taylor hit 54 in 76 balls with seven boundaries before being run out as England innings stuttered in the middle overs. Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole held their nerves to take England beyond the finish line as Shrubsole closed the match with a boundary to take her team into the finals. England now awaits the winner of the match between Australia and India to be played on Thursday at Derby. The winning moment!#ENGvSA #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/IRtcweQxvV — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 × Thanks for your #AskCaptain question @malavika21 - here's a message from winning captain, and finalist, #HeatherKnight! #WWC17 #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/lgtu1yIfNF — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 × With 54 and top work behind the stumps, congratulations to the #ENGvSA semi-final Player of the Match, @Sarah_Taylor30! #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/lPR7kRZCho — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 ×

England beat South Africa to enter Women's World Cup final

Captain Mithali Raj led from the front with a magnificent century as India recovered from an early wobble to score a challenging 265 for 7 against New Zealand in their final league match of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup here today.

Sent into bat, India were reduced to 21 for 2 in the eighth over but a 132-run stand between Mithali (109) and Harmanpreet Kaur (60) for the third wicket brought them back into the match.

Then, a brilliant quick-fire 70 off just 45 balls from the bat of Veda Krishnamurthy took India past 260. Krishnamurthy enlivened the contest with some big shots, scoring above run-a-ball. Her 70 had seven fours and two sixes.

But, the highlight of the virtual knock-out match was Mithali&#39;s sixth ton in her 184th match and her 109 came from 123 balls and had 11 fours in it.

Mithali, who in the earlier match against Australia became the highest run-getter in ODIs and first batswoman to reach 6000 runs, continued with her purple patch in the tournament.

She has already hit three half centuries and a 46 not out, besides today&#39;s ton, from the seven matches she has played so far.

Coming in the eighth over at the team score of 21-2 at the fall of opener Smriti Mandhana (13), Mithali anchored the Indian innings magnificently.

She first steadied the Indian innings with Harmanpreet after the initial loss of two wickets and then took her side to an advantageous position before being dismissed in the final over.

She found an able ally in Harmanpreet, who made a crucial contribution despite her slow batting. Harmanpreet consumed 90 balls for her 60 and hit seven fours.

India were going strong at 152 for 2 in the 36th over but New Zealand struck back with two quick wickets -- Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma (0) -- but that did not bother them.

Krishnamurthy was there to give impetus to the Indian innings towards the close and she was by far the most aggressive batswomen as she was always looking for big shots. She was out in the penultimate delivery.

In fact, India lost three wickets in the final over, in the space of four deliveries, for eight runs.

For New Zealand, off-spinner Leigh Kasperek, who first used the new ball, was the most successful bowler with three wickets while pacers Hannah Rowe and Lea Tahuhu took two and one wicket respectively.&nbsp;

A brilliant quick-fire 70 off just 45 balls from the bat of Veda Krishnamurthy took India past 260

Captain Mithali Raj led from the front with a magnificent century as India recovered from an early wobble to score a challenging 265 for 7 against New Zealand in their final league match of the ICC Women's World Cup here today. Sent into bat, India were reduced to 21 for 2 in the eighth over but a 132-run stand between Mithali (109) and Harmanpreet Kaur (60) for the third wicket brought them back into the match. Then, a brilliant quick-fire 70 off just 45 balls from the bat of Veda Krishnamurthy took India past 260. Krishnamurthy enlivened the contest with some big shots, scoring above run-a-ball. Her 70 had seven fours and two sixes. But, the highlight of the virtual knock-out match was Mithali's sixth ton in her 184th match and her 109 came from 123 balls and had 11 fours in it. Mithali, who in the earlier match against Australia became the highest run-getter in ODIs and first batswoman to reach 6000 runs, continued with her purple patch in the tournament. She has already hit three half centuries and a 46 not out, besides today's ton, from the seven matches she has played so far. Coming in the eighth over at the team score of 21-2 at the fall of opener Smriti Mandhana (13), Mithali anchored the Indian innings magnificently. She first steadied the Indian innings with Harmanpreet after the initial loss of two wickets and then took her side to an advantageous position before being dismissed in the final over. She found an able ally in Harmanpreet, who made a crucial contribution despite her slow batting. Harmanpreet consumed 90 balls for her 60 and hit seven fours. India were going strong at 152 for 2 in the 36th over but New Zealand struck back with two quick wickets -- Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma (0) -- but that did not bother them. Krishnamurthy was there to give impetus to the Indian innings towards the close and she was by far the most aggressive batswomen as she was always looking for big shots. She was out in the penultimate delivery. In fact, India lost three wickets in the final over, in the space of four deliveries, for eight runs. For New Zealand, off-spinner Leigh Kasperek, who first used the new ball, was the most successful bowler with three wickets while pacers Hannah Rowe and Lea Tahuhu took two and one wicket respectively.

Mithali Raj's sixth ton helps India score 265 against New Zealand

Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian women&#39;s cricket team, created history by becoming the highest run-getter in the history of women&#39;s ODI.

She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia. &nbsp;

Mithali joined another record holder Jhulan&nbsp;Goswami who is the lead wicket taker in the 50-over format.

Mithali replaced former England captain Charlotte Edwards who had scored 5992 runs.

She notched up the milestone in style with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams.

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli congratulated Mithali on achieving this feat. &nbsp;

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Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03">@M_Raj03</a>! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women&#39;s ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today!
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/885123790467981314">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A great moment for Indian Cricket, <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03">@M_Raj03</a> becomes the highest run scorer in Women&#39;s ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff! ????
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/885123767994896385">July 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia

Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian women's cricket team, created history by becoming the highest run-getter in the history of women's ODI. She crossed the 6000-run milestone against Australia during the ICC Worl Cup match against Australia. Mithali joined another record holder Jhulan Goswami who is the lead wicket taker in the 50-over format. Mithali replaced former England captain Charlotte Edwards who had scored 5992 runs. She notched up the milestone in style with a huge six off leg-break bowler Kirsten Beams. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli congratulated Mithali on achieving this feat. Congratulations, @M_Raj03! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women's ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today! — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2017 × A great moment for Indian Cricket, @M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in Women's ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff! ???? — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 12, 2017 ×

Indian women's cricket captain Mithali Raj makes history, becomes highest run-getter in limited overs format

Team India skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday became the first woman cricketer to score seven consecutive fifties in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Mithali achieved the feat as India played hosts England at the ICC Women&rsquo;s World Cup, scoring 71 runs in Derby. Mithali&#39;s 50 - scored off 56 balls - is her seventh consecutive one, and helped her break the previous world record of six jointly held by three players, Lindsay Reeler, Charlotte Edwards and Ellyse Perry.

Mithali Raj, one of the Indian team&#39;s best batswomen, has broken many records during her 18-year international career.

She also holds the record for 47 fifties, the most by any international women&rsquo;s player.

Mithali&#39;s average in women&rsquo;s ODIs, 52.27, is the best among women cricketers who have played over 100 ODIs.

India made 281 for 3 in the match, &nbsp;helping them make their highest total against England in a World Cup Match.&nbsp;

Mithali achieved the feat as India played hosts England at the ICC Women?s World Cup

Team India skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday became the first woman cricketer to score seven consecutive fifties in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Mithali achieved the feat as India played hosts England at the ICC Women’s World Cup, scoring 71 runs in Derby. Mithali's 50 - scored off 56 balls - is her seventh consecutive one, and helped her break the previous world record of six jointly held by three players, Lindsay Reeler, Charlotte Edwards and Ellyse Perry. Mithali Raj, one of the Indian team's best batswomen, has broken many records during her 18-year international career. She also holds the record for 47 fifties, the most by any international women’s player. Mithali's average in women’s ODIs, 52.27, is the best among women cricketers who have played over 100 ODIs. India made 281 for 3 in the match, helping them make their highest total against England in a World Cup Match.

Team India skipper Mithali Raj  breaks world record for consecutive 50s in ODIs

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