IND vs. PAK-W Live: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa. The 8th edition of this tournament will be holding a total of 10 matches from 10 February to 26 February. Over the past 14 years, the Women’s T20 World Cup has been a place of some very exciting action, from Ellyse Perry’s ball boot out in the 2010 final to Harmanpreet Kaur’s soaring maiden century in the 2018 edition. More such magic events will uncover in this year’s world cup too, and what better match to witness than between India and its arch-rival, Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Indian side has already warmed up for the showpiece event by playing two practice games against Bangladesh and Australia. While India lost to Australia, they won over Bangladesh by 52 runs. Now, the Harmanpreet side would be eager to start the T20 World Cup with a win over Pakistan.&nbsp;

India has a mixed bag of spin and pace options like Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav. While on the batting front, the India side is powered by standout batters like Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma.&nbsp;

Here is all you need to know about one of the most thrilling clashes of the Women's T20 World Cup:

<h2>ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Group details&nbsp;</h2>

Group 1: Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka

Group 2: England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies

<h2>ICC Women's T20 World Cup: The venues</h2>

Three venues across South Africa will be used for the T20 World Cup. The event kicks off on February 10 at Newlands, Cape Town, which will also host the semi-finals and the final. Boland Park in Paarl, and St George’s Park in Gqeberha, are the other venues for the event.

<h2>ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Tournament Format</h2>

This year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup takes place in two stages. The 10 teams are divided into two groups of five sides each. South Africa qualified on the basis of being hosts, while seven other sides also gained automatic qualification. Bangladesh and Ireland made it through the qualifiers.

The first round sees the sides participating in round-robin contests in their respective groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of two semi-finals and the Final at Newlands, Cape Town on 26 February.

<h2>ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Schedule</h2>

10 February – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Cape Town)

11 February – West Indies vs England (Paarl)

11 February – Australia vs New Zealand (Paarl)

12 February – India vs Pakistan (Cape Town)

12 February – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Cape Town)

13 February – Ireland vs England (Paarl)

13 February – South Africa vs New Zealand (Paarl)

14 February – Australia vs Bangladesh (Gqeberha)

15 February – West Indies vs India (Cape Town)

15 February – Pakistan vs Ireland (Cape Town)

16 February – Sri Lanka vs Australia (Gqeberha)

17 February – New Zealand vs Bangladesh (Cape Town)

17 February – West Indies vs Ireland (Cape Town)

18 February – England vs India (Gqeberha)

18 February – South Africa vs Australia (Gqeberha)

19 February – Pakistan vs West Indies (Paarl)

19 February – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (Paarl)

20 February – Ireland vs India (Gqeberha)

21 February – England vs Pakistan (Cape Town)

21 February – South Africa vs Bangladesh (Cape Town)

23 February – SEMI-FINAL 1 (Cape Town)

24 February – SEMI-FINAL 2 (Cape Town)

26 February – FINAL (Cape Town)

<h2>ICC Women's T20 World Cup: IND-W vs PAK-W Live&nbsp;squads&nbsp;</h2>

India Womens: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha Pandey.

Pakistan womens: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan.

<h2>What time will the India Women vs&nbsp;Pakistan Women's (IND-W vs PAK-W) match start?</h2>

The India Women vs Pakistan Women IND-W vs PAK-W will start at 6:30 PM&nbsp;IST.

<h2>Where&nbsp;will the India Women vs Pakistan Women’s&nbsp;IND-W vs PAK-W match be played?</h2>

India Women vs Pakistan Women IND-W vs PAK-W&nbsp;will be played in Cape Town.

<h2>How to watch India Women vs Pakistan&nbsp;IND-W vs PAK-W T20 World Cup match?</h2>

The live streaming of the India Women vs Pakistan Women&nbsp;IND-W vs PAK-W match will be on Disney+ Hotstar.&nbsp;

IND vs. PAK-W Live: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa. The 8th edition of this tournament will be holding a total of 10 matches from 10 February to 26 February.

IND vs. PAK-W Live: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa. The 8th edition of this tournament will be holding a total of 10 matches from 10 February to 26 February. Over the past 14 years, the Women’s T20 World Cup has been a place of some very exciting action, from Ellyse Perry’s ball boot out in the 2010 final to Harmanpreet Kaur’s soaring maiden century in the 2018 edition. More such magic events will uncover in this year’s world cup too, and what better match to witness than between India and its arch-rival, Pakistan. The Indian side has already warmed up for the showpiece event by playing two practice games against Bangladesh and Australia. While India lost to Australia, they won over Bangladesh by 52 runs. Now, the Harmanpreet side would be eager to start the T20 World Cup with a win over Pakistan. India has a mixed bag of spin and pace options like Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav. While on the batting front, the India side is powered by standout batters like Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma. Here is all you need to know about one of the most thrilling clashes of the Women's T20 World Cup: ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Group details Group 1: Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka Group 2: England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies ICC Women's T20 World Cup: The venues Three venues across South Africa will be used for the T20 World Cup. The event kicks off on February 10 at Newlands, Cape Town, which will also host the semi-finals and the final. Boland Park in Paarl, and St George’s Park in Gqeberha, are the other venues for the event. ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Tournament Format This year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup takes place in two stages. The 10 teams are divided into two groups of five sides each. South Africa qualified on the basis of being hosts, while seven other sides also gained automatic qualification. Bangladesh and Ireland made it through the qualifiers. The first round sees the sides participating in round-robin contests in their respective groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of two semi-finals and the Final at Newlands, Cape Town on 26 February. ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 Schedule 10 February – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (Cape Town) 11 February – West Indies vs England (Paarl) 11 February – Australia vs New Zealand (Paarl) 12 February – India vs Pakistan (Cape Town) 12 February – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Cape Town) 13 February – Ireland vs England (Paarl) 13 February – South Africa vs New Zealand (Paarl) 14 February – Australia vs Bangladesh (Gqeberha) 15 February – West Indies vs India (Cape Town) 15 February – Pakistan vs Ireland (Cape Town) 16 February – Sri Lanka vs Australia (Gqeberha) 17 February – New Zealand vs Bangladesh (Cape Town) 17 February – West Indies vs Ireland (Cape Town) 18 February – England vs India (Gqeberha) 18 February – South Africa vs Australia (Gqeberha) 19 February – Pakistan vs West Indies (Paarl) 19 February – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (Paarl) 20 February – Ireland vs India (Gqeberha) 21 February – England vs Pakistan (Cape Town) 21 February – South Africa vs Bangladesh (Cape Town) 23 February – SEMI-FINAL 1 (Cape Town) 24 February – SEMI-FINAL 2 (Cape Town) 26 February – FINAL (Cape Town) ICC Women's T20 World Cup: IND-W vs PAK-W Live squads India Womens: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha Pandey. Pakistan womens: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan. What time will the India Women vs Pakistan Women's (IND-W vs PAK-W) match start? The India Women vs Pakistan Women IND-W vs PAK-W will start at 6:30 PM IST. Where will the India Women vs Pakistan Women’s IND-W vs PAK-W match be played? India Women vs Pakistan Women IND-W vs PAK-W will be played in Cape Town. How to watch India Women vs Pakistan IND-W vs PAK-W T20 World Cup match? The live streaming of the India Women vs Pakistan Women IND-W vs PAK-W match will be on Disney+ Hotstar.

IND-W vs PAK-W Live: Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 India vs Pakistan Date, Time, squads, all you need to know

Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 full schedule: India’s women cricket team looks forward to clinching their first T20 World Cup title as the much-awaited championship starts on Friday, February 10.

Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 full schedule: India’s women cricket team looks forward to clinching their first T20 World Cup title as the much-awaited championship starts on Friday, February 10. After having played seven editions of the ICC T20 women’s world cup, it’s time for India to shine on the world stage. In 2020, the Indian side ended the tournament with the runner-up title. India won the last under-19 women’s world cup title. Now, it’s time to pull off the biggest upset and stake claim on the ICC’s most-coveted trophy for women’s cricket. A total of 10 teams are playing in this world cup, divided into two groups. Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, and Radha Yadav are just a few of the pacers and spinners on Team India. Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma are the star batswomen. Australia has won the Women's T20 World Cup five times in 7 editions played so far. England (2009) and the West Indies (2016) were the other two winners. Fans in India are hoping for India to join this elite club this year. Women’s T20 World Cup full schedule, venue, date and time The Women’s T20 world cup begins on February 10, and the grand finale will be played on 26 Feb. Here are the full schedule, fixture, date, time and venue details of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Date Match Teams Venue TIME (IST) 10-Feb Match No. 1 South Africa vs Sri Lanka Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 11-Feb Match No. 2 West Indies vs England Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 11-Feb Match No 3 Australia vs New Zealand Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 12-Feb Match No. 4 India vs Pakistan Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 12-Feb Match No. 5 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 13-Feb Match No. 6 Ireland vs England Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 13-Feb Match No. 7 South Africa vs New Zealand Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 14-Feb Match No. 8 Australia vs Bangladesh St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 15-Feb Match No. 9 West Indies vs India Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 15-Feb Match No. 10 Pakistan vs Ireland Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 16-Feb Match No. 11 Sri Lanka vs Australia St George's Park, Gqeberha 6:30 PM 17-Feb Match No. 12 New Zealand vs Bangladesh Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 17-Feb Match No. 13 West Indies vs Ireland Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 18-Feb Match No. 14 India vs England� St George's Park, Gqeberha 6:30 PM 18-Feb Match No. 15 South Africa vs Australia St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 19-Feb Match No. 16 Pakistan vs West Indies Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 19-Feb Match No. 17 New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 20-Feb Match No. 18 Ireland vs India St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 21-Feb Match No. 19 England vs Pakistan Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 21-Feb Match No. 20 South Africa vs Bangladesh Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 23-Feb SEMI-FINAL 1 Semi-finalist 1 vs Semi-finalist 2 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 24-Feb SEMI-FINAL 2 Semi-finalist 3 vs Semi-finalist 4 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 26-Feb FINAL Winner of SF1 vs Winner of SF2 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM How to watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live in India World Cup live stream: The ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 will be live-streamed on the Hotstar+ Disney app and website. Additionally, the Star Sports network in India will broadcast live coverage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Women’s T20 World Cup full squad of all teams Australia: Meg Lanning (c), Alyssa Healy (vc), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana, Rumana Ahmed. Lata Mondol, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni, Disha Biswas, Sobhana Mostary, Fargana Hoque Pinky New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Lauren Down. Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu. South Africa: Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Lara Goodall, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, Tazmin Brits, Masabata Klaas, Laura Wolvaardt, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Sune Luus (c), Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker. India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma. Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shikha Pandey. Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali. Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan. England: Heather Knight (c), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone. Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt. Ireland: Laura Delany (c), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron. Women’s T20 World Cup group details Group 1: Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka Group 2: England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, West Indies When will Women’s T20 World Cup start?- Date Women’s T20 World Cup will start on Friday, February 10. Where is Women’s T20 World Cup being played? Women’s T20 World Cup is being held in South Africa. What time Women’s T20 World Cup matches will be played? Women’s T20 World Cup matches will be played at 6:30 PM or 10:30 PM IST. Where will Women’s T20 World Cup be live streamed? Women’s T20 World Cup will be live streamed on Hotstar app and website.

Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: Full schedule, fixture, timings, groups, squad and live streaming details

Women’s T20 world cup live streaming: The wait is finally over for the Women’s World Cup 2023. The tournament starts on February 10, and 10 teams will be clashing in the competition for the coveted trophy.

Women’s T20 world cup live streaming: The wait is finally over for the Women’s World Cup 2023. The tournament starts on February 10, and 10 teams will be clashing in the competition for the coveted trophy. Fans in India are excited and thrilled as team India looks in great shape. The women in blue are hoping to clinch the world cup title for the first time. Ten teams in total, split into two groups, are competing in this world cup. Among Team India's pacers and spinners are Deepti Sharma, Renuka Singh, and Radha Yadav. The top batswomen are Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma. In the seven tournament editions played to date, Australia has won the Women's T20 World Cup five times. The West Indies (2016) and England (2009) were the other two champions. India's supporters want their country to join this elite club this year. How to watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live in India for free Women's World Cup live stream: The ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 will be live-streamed on the Hotstar+ Disney app and website. Additionally, the Star Sports network in India will broadcast live coverage of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Fans can also access the live stream of the World Cup matches for free on their mobile phones, laptops and TVs. You can watch Women's T20 World Cup live for free in India using these three different ways: JIO TV: All Jio customers will be able to watch Women's T20 World Cup for free on Jio TV. Download and install the JioTV app from the app store or the Google Play store on your phone. Log in to the JioTV app with your Jio account credentials. To find the Star Sports Network channels, use the app's search bar. Click the channel to enjoy the game for free. Airtel TV: For Airtel subscribers, Airtel digital TV can prove to be a useful medium to access free Livestream of Women's T20 World Cup. Airtel subscribers can download the Airtel TV app from the app store and enjoy the Livestream with ease. Watch free on Hotstar: Through subscription plans, telecom providers like Jio, Airtel and Vi also provide free access to Disney+Hotstar OTT app to their users. Plans for Jio Prepaid Users Rs. 499- 3GB/day+6GB data and 28 days validity Rs. 505-55GB data and 55 days validity Rs. 601- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity Rs. 659- 1.5GB data/day and 56 days validity Rs. 799- 2GB data/day and 56 days validity Rs. 1066- 2GB data/day and 84 days validity Rs. 1499- 2GBdata/day and 84 days validity Rs. 3119-2GB data/day and 1 year validity Rs. 4119- 3GB data/day and 1 year validity For Airtel Users- Rs. 599- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity Rs. 838- 2GB per day and 56 days validity Rs. 2999- 2GB data/day and 365 days validity For Vi Users- Rs. 901- 3GB data/day and 70 days validity Rs. 601- 3GB data/day and 28 days validity Women’s T20 World Cup full schedule, venue, date and time The Women’s T20 world cup begins on February 10, and the grand finale will be played on 26 Feb. Here are the full schedule, fixture, date, time and venue details of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Date Match Teams Venue TIME (IST) 10-Feb Match No. 1 South Africa vs Sri Lanka Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 11-Feb Match No. 2 West Indies vs England Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 11-Feb Match No 3 Australia vs New Zealand Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 12-Feb Match No. 4 India vs Pakistan Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 12-Feb Match No. 5 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 13-Feb Match No. 6 Ireland vs England Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 13-Feb Match No. 7 South Africa vs New Zealand Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 14-Feb Match No. 8 Australia vs Bangladesh St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 15-Feb Match No. 9 West Indies vs India Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 15-Feb Match No. 10 Pakistan vs Ireland Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 16-Feb Match No. 11 Sri Lanka vs Australia St George's Park, Gqeberha 6:30 PM 17-Feb Match No. 12 New Zealand vs Bangladesh Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 17-Feb Match No. 13 West Indies vs Ireland Newlands, Cape Town 10:30 PM 18-Feb Match No. 14 India vs England� St George's Park, Gqeberha 6:30 PM 18-Feb Match No. 15 South Africa vs Australia St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 19-Feb Match No. 16 Pakistan vs West Indies Boland Park, Paarl 6:30 PM 19-Feb Match No. 17 New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Boland Park, Paarl 10:30 PM 20-Feb Match No. 18 Ireland vs India St George's Park, Gqeberha 10:30 PM 21-Feb Match No. 19 England vs Pakistan Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 21-Feb Match No. 20 South Africa vs Bangladesh Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 23-Feb SEMI-FINAL 1 Semi-finalist 1 vs Semi-finalist 2 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 24-Feb SEMI-FINAL 2 Semi-finalist 3 vs Semi-finalist 4 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM 26-Feb FINAL Winner of SF1 vs Winner of SF2 Newlands, Cape Town 6:30 PM When will Women’s T20 World Cup start?- Date Women’s T20 World Cup will start on Friday, February 10. Where is Women’s T20 World Cup being played? Women’s T20 World Cup is being held in South Africa. What time Women’s T20 World Cup matches will be played? Women’s T20 World Cup matches will be played at 6:30 PM or 10:30 PM IST. Where will Women’s T20 World Cup be live streamed? Women’s T20 World Cup will be live streamed on Hotstar app and website.

Women’s T20 world cup live streaming: Watch women’s world cup 2023 for free on mobile, laptop & TV in India 

Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France. Tounesi was cited for biting an unnamed opponent during Italy's 21-8 win on Sunday.

The tournament's judicial committee upheld the citing complaint, World&nbsp;Rugby&nbsp;said in a statement on Tuesday. "The committee concluded that the player bit a Japanese player which ... merited a red card," said the statement. Tounesi has two days to appeal the decision. Italy face France at Whangarei on Saturday.

Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's Rugby World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France.

Italy lock Sara Tounesi has been suspended for 12 matches for biting a player from Japan at the women's Rugby World Cup, meaning she miss Saturday's quarter-final against France. Tounesi was cited for biting an unnamed opponent during Italy's 21-8 win on Sunday. The tournament's judicial committee upheld the citing complaint, World Rugby said in a statement on Tuesday. "The committee concluded that the player bit a Japanese player which ... merited a red card," said the statement. Tounesi has two days to appeal the decision. Italy face France at Whangarei on Saturday.

Italy lock Sara Tounesi receives 12-match ban for biting Japanese player at Women's World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's.

Infantino was speaking in Auckland hours before the draw for next year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and with women's football breaking new ground.

The World Cup in July-August will have 32 teams for the first time and global interest is anticipated to be at an all-time high.

But without naming specific broadcasters, Infantino said offers submitted for the television rights were far too low.

"Broadcasters offer us 100 times less than what they offer us for the men's World Cup," Infantino told reporters.

He accused television companies of "pushing us to do more for equality and at the same time we are not going to accept these offers".

Infantino said that FIFA had invested one billion dollars into women's football in recent years.

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The 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups made a financial loss, but Infantino said: "The next World Cup will cost us around $400 million and we hope to break even."

For the first time, FIFA plans to sell the commercial rights separate from the men's tournament.

"We are trying to commercialise the Women's World Cup for the first time on its own," he said.

The FIFA boss also doubled down on assurances that gay fans who travel to Qatar for the men's World Cup next month will be safe, despite homosexuality being a criminal offence there.

"I have said it (before), I repeat it -- whatever nationality, background, gender, sexual orientation, everyone is welcome in Qatar," Infantino said.

Infantino also confirmed that the FIFA Clearing House, aimed at regulating the extra payments around transfer fees, will come into force on November 16.

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"This will finally bring some transparency and accountability into the whole transfer market," said Infantino.

"Payments to strange places or strange bank accounts will not be tolerated any more."

He said the transfer market currently generates about six to seven billion dollars every year and predicts the figure will rise.

"We want to control that and make sure the money goes where it is supposed to."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's. Infantino was speaking in Auckland hours before the draw for next year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and with women's football breaking new ground. The World Cup in July-August will have 32 teams for the first time and global interest is anticipated to be at an all-time high. But without naming specific broadcasters, Infantino said offers submitted for the television rights were far too low. "Broadcasters offer us 100 times less than what they offer us for the men's World Cup," Infantino told reporters. He accused television companies of "pushing us to do more for equality and at the same time we are not going to accept these offers". Infantino said that FIFA had invested one billion dollars into women's football in recent years. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe scores twice as PSG beat Ajaccio 3-0 in Ligue1 The 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups made a financial loss, but Infantino said: "The next World Cup will cost us around $400 million and we hope to break even." For the first time, FIFA plans to sell the commercial rights separate from the men's tournament. "We are trying to commercialise the Women's World Cup for the first time on its own," he said. The FIFA boss also doubled down on assurances that gay fans who travel to Qatar for the men's World Cup next month will be safe, despite homosexuality being a criminal offence there. "I have said it (before), I repeat it -- whatever nationality, background, gender, sexual orientation, everyone is welcome in Qatar," Infantino said. Infantino also confirmed that the FIFA Clearing House, aimed at regulating the extra payments around transfer fees, will come into force on November 16. Also Read: 'There are consequences': Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a sub against Spurs "This will finally bring some transparency and accountability into the whole transfer market," said Infantino. "Payments to strange places or strange bank accounts will not be tolerated any more." He said the transfer market currently generates about six to seven billion dollars every year and predicts the figure will rise. "We want to control that and make sure the money goes where it is supposed to."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says broadcasters offer '100 times less' for Women's World Cup

Defending champions USA beat China 83-61 to win a record-extending 11th Women's World Cup title in Sydney on Saturday, while Australia's Lauren Jackson brought the curtain down on her glittering career with a bronze medal. A'ja Wilson, who plays for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, led tournament favourites Team USA with 19 points and was named MVP of the tournament.

The United States earned a hard-fought early lead of 18-13 at the end of the first quarter and were made to work by China as they extended it to 43-33 at the halfway mark. The game looked poised for a close finish at the break, but China faded quickly in the third quarter, going 21 points behind as Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum scored a combined 15 points.

The United States weathered a late surge from China in the final quarter to secure their fourth straight World Cup title in front of close to 16,000 fans at the Sydney Superdome. Li Yueru led the scoring for China with 19 points, as they earned their second World Cup silver medal in women's basketball.

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JACKSON BOWS OUT WITH BRONZE

Earlier on Saturday, Jackson capped off her career in spectacular fashion, leading the scoring with 30 points as hosts Australia posted a 95-65 victory over Canada to take bronze. The 41-year-old, who announced her retirement on social media before the match, also equalled the record for most appearances at the Women's World Cup with her 43rd game in the competition. "They're the best group of the girls, I've had the best time, and it's the best journey I've had in the sport," said Jackson, who returned to the Australia squad in August following a lengthy absence after first retiring in 2016.

Kia Nurse scored 19 points to keep Canada within touching distance of Australia for the first half of the game, but Jackson's 12-point rampage in the third quarter gave the hosts a 17-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes. Jackson was then substituted off to a standing ovation with 2:22 remaining, as Australia closed out the win.

Defending champions USA beat China 83-61 to win a record-extending 11th Women's World Cup title in Sydney on Saturday, while Australia's Lauren Jackson brought the curtain down on her glittering career with a bronze medal.

Defending champions USA beat China 83-61 to win a record-extending 11th Women's World Cup title in Sydney on Saturday, while Australia's Lauren Jackson brought the curtain down on her glittering career with a bronze medal. A'ja Wilson, who plays for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, led tournament favourites Team USA with 19 points and was named MVP of the tournament. The United States earned a hard-fought early lead of 18-13 at the end of the first quarter and were made to work by China as they extended it to 43-33 at the halfway mark. The game looked poised for a close finish at the break, but China faded quickly in the third quarter, going 21 points behind as Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum scored a combined 15 points. The United States weathered a late surge from China in the final quarter to secure their fourth straight World Cup title in front of close to 16,000 fans at the Sydney Superdome. Li Yueru led the scoring for China with 19 points, as they earned their second World Cup silver medal in women's basketball. ALSO READ | USA thrash Canada to qualify for women's basketball World Cup final JACKSON BOWS OUT WITH BRONZE Earlier on Saturday, Jackson capped off her career in spectacular fashion, leading the scoring with 30 points as hosts Australia posted a 95-65 victory over Canada to take bronze. The 41-year-old, who announced her retirement on social media before the match, also equalled the record for most appearances at the Women's World Cup with her 43rd game in the competition. "They're the best group of the girls, I've had the best time, and it's the best journey I've had in the sport," said Jackson, who returned to the Australia squad in August following a lengthy absence after first retiring in 2016. Kia Nurse scored 19 points to keep Canada within touching distance of Australia for the first half of the game, but Jackson's 12-point rampage in the third quarter gave the hosts a 17-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes. Jackson was then substituted off to a standing ovation with 2:22 remaining, as Australia closed out the win.

USA clinch record-extending 11th Women's World Cup title, beat China 83-61

Seattle forward Breanna Stewart drilled a game-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as clinical reigning champions the United States crushed Canada 83-43 to sweep into the women's basketball World Cup final on Friday.

They opened with 15 unanswered points and never relented, extending their amazing World Cup win streak to 29 games to set up a gold-medal showdown in Sydney against Australia or China, who play later. Ever-dangerous Las Vegas Aces' star A'ja Wilson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the US as they zero in on a fourth straight title and 11th overall. Laeticia Amihere scored eight points to lead a deflated Canada.

The USA were always overwhelming favourites in their 10th consecutive World Cup semi-final, having never failed to reach the last four since the knockout stage was introduced in 1986. In contrast, world number four Canada had got this far just once before, in 1986, when they also crashed to the USA.

The Americans' depth, defense and scoring talent was on full display once again. They have killed it inside all tournament, sinking 55 points a game in the paint ahead of the semi-final, while punishing errors.

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It was a similar scenario against Canada, who have taken big strides under coach Victor Lapena but struggled against the speed of their opponents. The USA's 15 straight points at the start gave them an immediate stranglehold and Canada never recovered, needing five minutes to get off the mark.

While the US shot 79 percent, Canada could only manage 11 percent as they fell 27-7 behind after the first quarter. The margin only grew in the second frame to 45-21, with Stewart at the forefront. They put on another 22 points in the third quarter to build a huge 38-point buffer going into the final stretch before cruising home for an emphatic win.

Seattle forward Breanna Stewart drilled a game-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as clinical reigning champions the United States crushed Canada 83-43 to sweep into the women's basketball World Cup final on Friday.

Seattle forward Breanna Stewart drilled a game-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds as clinical reigning champions the United States crushed Canada 83-43 to sweep into the women's basketball World Cup final on Friday. They opened with 15 unanswered points and never relented, extending their amazing World Cup win streak to 29 games to set up a gold-medal showdown in Sydney against Australia or China, who play later. Ever-dangerous Las Vegas Aces' star A'ja Wilson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the US as they zero in on a fourth straight title and 11th overall. Laeticia Amihere scored eight points to lead a deflated Canada. The USA were always overwhelming favourites in their 10th consecutive World Cup semi-final, having never failed to reach the last four since the knockout stage was introduced in 1986. In contrast, world number four Canada had got this far just once before, in 1986, when they also crashed to the USA. The Americans' depth, defense and scoring talent was on full display once again. They have killed it inside all tournament, sinking 55 points a game in the paint ahead of the semi-final, while punishing errors. ALSO READ | 'Colour of mourning': Denmark's World Cup 'protest' kit is a statement against Qatar's human rights record It was a similar scenario against Canada, who have taken big strides under coach Victor Lapena but struggled against the speed of their opponents. The USA's 15 straight points at the start gave them an immediate stranglehold and Canada never recovered, needing five minutes to get off the mark. While the US shot 79 percent, Canada could only manage 11 percent as they fell 27-7 behind after the first quarter. The margin only grew in the second frame to 45-21, with Stewart at the forefront. They put on another 22 points in the third quarter to build a huge 38-point buffer going into the final stretch before cruising home for an emphatic win.

USA thrash Canada to qualify for women's basketball World Cup final

Queen of women's cricket: Top 6 records held by Mithali Raj

Former captain Anjum Chopra believes India were never among the title contenders at the just concluded Women's World Cup and going forward, she wants the team to "emerge from a legacy of poor decision-making" to turn the corner.

India's underwhelming show at the ICC showpiece in New Zealand ended with a heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the group stage.

"It is time women's cricket emerges from legacy of poor decision making and be honest about what they want to do and how they want to do going forward. Otherwise, we will remain a near about team, we will never get there," Chopra told PTI in an exclusive interview.

Expectations were high after the runners-up finish in the previous World Cup five years ago but Chopra, who watched the action from the sidelines as a commentator, feels that the Mithali Raj-led squad never looked winning the trophy in the lead up to the mega event.

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India were the only team to get a bilateral series against hosts New Zealand ahead of the World Cup but they could still not get fully used to the conditions and zero in on a settled combination.

"I won't say India played poorly. They played a few ordinary matches where they could have performed better. "I would say the kind of preparation and kind of skill the players showed prior to the World cup (against NZ) to getting into the World Cup, it was surprising to see the approach against Pakistan, the way they batted (though they won).

"It was surprising decision making (opting to bowl) against New Zealand . Coming to a particular country well in advance, paying six games and if you are still unaware of the conditions, it would be unfair to say that India played poorly, I would say they were not in the contest," Chopra said.

India failed to beat any of the SENA teams including England, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, ending with wins only against Pakistan, West Indies and debutants Bangladesh. Seeing India's campaign unfold they way it did, Chopra was left dispirited after the team failed to even reach the semifinals.

"It is not just players who need to take responsibility, it is everyone including support staff who should take the responsibility. It is not about crucifying one person. You will always have bad days but India were simply not consistent enough.

"As a player and broadcaster, from 1997 to 2022, I have seen every final and every semifinal. I never thought they could win the Cup but expected them to make the semis," said the left-handed batter.

"It is quite an imbalanced situation with the men's team performing consistently across formats but the women are not even able to reach the last four," she said.

Chopra feels India will remain a "near about" side if it doesn't focus on basics like fielding and running between the wickets. She feels that the players are not "unfit" but they are not "fit enough" compared to Australia and England.

"This (running between wickets) has been an issue for a long time. Either things have moved or they have not moved fast enough. If the bar has been raised, progression has to happen.

"It is a good sign that team has started scoring 270 regularly, it has progressed there in the last 15 months with no cricket the year before. If it can progress this much on that front, it can certainly improve in other areas." So what is the way forward for this team?

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"Once we realise the present we can decide on the way forward. When you have a shaky present you can't have a bright future. "Cricket overall has improved. 300 has become the average score. Women's game has progressed and we need to improve with time."

'Harmanpreet should captain across formats'

Though Mithali has not announced retirement yet, it is certain that she won't be around when the next World Cup happens. Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur is the front-runner for the job with star opener Smriti Mandhana being the other contender. Smriti is also eight years younger than Harmanpreet who is 33. The change of guard needs to happen now and Chopra says no better than T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to lead India across formats.

"Harman has been an identified leader for a long time. She has been leading the T20 side for a long time. How can you brush aside an identified leader and get an absolute new person for the job? "Who was the best player of the tournament for India? It was Harman. You can't assign captaincy on hope. You did not make Virat Kohli captain on hope, you did not give Rohit captaincy on hope," she had her counter ready.

Former captain Anjum Chopra believes India were never among the title contenders at the just concluded Women's World Cup and going forward, she wants the team to "emerge from a legacy of poor decision-making" to turn the corner.

Former captain Anjum Chopra believes India were never among the title contenders at the just concluded Women's World Cup and going forward, she wants the team to "emerge from a legacy of poor decision-making" to turn the corner. India's underwhelming show at the ICC showpiece in New Zealand ended with a heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the group stage. "It is time women's cricket emerges from legacy of poor decision making and be honest about what they want to do and how they want to do going forward. Otherwise, we will remain a near about team, we will never get there," Chopra told PTI in an exclusive interview. Expectations were high after the runners-up finish in the previous World Cup five years ago but Chopra, who watched the action from the sidelines as a commentator, feels that the Mithali Raj-led squad never looked winning the trophy in the lead up to the mega event. Also read | 'Lord of all lords': Ex-India cricketer lauds Livingstone after all-round show India were the only team to get a bilateral series against hosts New Zealand ahead of the World Cup but they could still not get fully used to the conditions and zero in on a settled combination. "I won't say India played poorly. They played a few ordinary matches where they could have performed better. "I would say the kind of preparation and kind of skill the players showed prior to the World cup (against NZ) to getting into the World Cup, it was surprising to see the approach against Pakistan, the way they batted (though they won). "It was surprising decision making (opting to bowl) against New Zealand . Coming to a particular country well in advance, paying six games and if you are still unaware of the conditions, it would be unfair to say that India played poorly, I would say they were not in the contest," Chopra said. India failed to beat any of the SENA teams including England, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, ending with wins only against Pakistan, West Indies and debutants Bangladesh. Seeing India's campaign unfold they way it did, Chopra was left dispirited after the team failed to even reach the semifinals. "It is not just players who need to take responsibility, it is everyone including support staff who should take the responsibility. It is not about crucifying one person. You will always have bad days but India were simply not consistent enough. "As a player and broadcaster, from 1997 to 2022, I have seen every final and every semifinal. I never thought they could win the Cup but expected them to make the semis," said the left-handed batter. "It is quite an imbalanced situation with the men's team performing consistently across formats but the women are not even able to reach the last four," she said. Chopra feels India will remain a "near about" side if it doesn't focus on basics like fielding and running between the wickets. She feels that the players are not "unfit" but they are not "fit enough" compared to Australia and England. "This (running between wickets) has been an issue for a long time. Either things have moved or they have not moved fast enough. If the bar has been raised, progression has to happen. "It is a good sign that team has started scoring 270 regularly, it has progressed there in the last 15 months with no cricket the year before. If it can progress this much on that front, it can certainly improve in other areas." So what is the way forward for this team? Also read | PCB chief Raja clarifies 'we'll see who goes to play IPL over PSL' remark "Once we realise the present we can decide on the way forward. When you have a shaky present you can't have a bright future. "Cricket overall has improved. 300 has become the average score. Women's game has progressed and we need to improve with time." 'Harmanpreet should captain across formats' Though Mithali has not announced retirement yet, it is certain that she won't be around when the next World Cup happens. Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur is the front-runner for the job with star opener Smriti Mandhana being the other contender. Smriti is also eight years younger than Harmanpreet who is 33. The change of guard needs to happen now and Chopra says no better than T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to lead India across formats. "Harman has been an identified leader for a long time. She has been leading the T20 side for a long time. How can you brush aside an identified leader and get an absolute new person for the job? "Who was the best player of the tournament for India? It was Harman. You can't assign captaincy on hope. You did not make Virat Kohli captain on hope, you did not give Rohit captaincy on hope," she had her counter ready.

Anjum Chopra has her say on India's performance in Women's World Cup 2022

Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry on Sunday said seeing wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy go about her brilliant knock of 170 was just amazing to watch.

Healy smashed 170 off 138 balls, including 26 fours against England in the final at Hagley Oval to set up Australia's 71-run win and clinch their seventh World Cup trophy. 
 
"They are unique (the other WC wins) but today was just wonderful. For Midge (Healy) to do what she did was amazing to watch. We had a wonderful crowd in and it has been a fantastic tournament for the game. The teams that have played have competed so hard, there have been some amazing contests and for Australia to finish the way we did was just awesome," said Perry after the match.

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Perry was a huge doubt for the title clash as she sat out of Australia's last two matches against Bangladesh and semi-final against West Indies due to back spasms. But Perry was fit in time to replace fellow all-rounder Annabel Sutherland in the playing eleven for the final. Perry was quick in expressing her gratitude to the medical professionals with the team to get her fit in time for the final. 
 
"It was pretty close in the end (on making the final). Huge amount of gratitude to our medical staff over the last 10 days to help me get there. Equally a hard one as someone had to miss out and Annabel is a great mate of mine and disappointed that she was the one. From a personal perspective, it was wonderful to be involved."

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Though Perry hit some boundaries in the end to take Australia past the 350-mark, she didn't get to bowl due to managing her return from the back spasms. She didn't mind it but signed off by saying that the shift in mental attitude from the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final exit changed Australia for the good. 
 
"I did mark my run-up when we got to the ground but I definitely wasn't needed. I guess just the shift in the attitude to take the game on all the time and to deal with pressure along the way. Just that mentality is the huge shift from the 2017 World Cup has been impressive."

Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry on Sunday said seeing wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy go about her brilliant knock of 170 was just amazing to watch. Healy smashed 170 off 138 balls, including 26 fours against England in the final at Hagley Oval to set up Australia's 71-run win and clinch their seventh World Cup trophy.

Australia's star all-rounder Ellyse Perry on Sunday said seeing wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy go about her brilliant knock of 170 was just amazing to watch. Healy smashed 170 off 138 balls, including 26 fours against England in the final at Hagley Oval to set up Australia's 71-run win and clinch their seventh World Cup trophy. "They are unique (the other WC wins) but today was just wonderful. For Midge (Healy) to do what she did was amazing to watch. We had a wonderful crowd in and it has been a fantastic tournament for the game. The teams that have played have competed so hard, there have been some amazing contests and for Australia to finish the way we did was just awesome," said Perry after the match. ALSO READ: Alyssa Healy's sensational ton helps Australia thrash New Zealand to lift record 7th Women's World Cup trophy Perry was a huge doubt for the title clash as she sat out of Australia's last two matches against Bangladesh and semi-final against West Indies due to back spasms. But Perry was fit in time to replace fellow all-rounder Annabel Sutherland in the playing eleven for the final. Perry was quick in expressing her gratitude to the medical professionals with the team to get her fit in time for the final. "It was pretty close in the end (on making the final). Huge amount of gratitude to our medical staff over the last 10 days to help me get there. Equally a hard one as someone had to miss out and Annabel is a great mate of mine and disappointed that she was the one. From a personal perspective, it was wonderful to be involved." ALSO READ: Alyssa Healy breaks Adam Gilchrist's record with a stunning knock against England in Women's WC final Though Perry hit some boundaries in the end to take Australia past the 350-mark, she didn't get to bowl due to managing her return from the back spasms. She didn't mind it but signed off by saying that the shift in mental attitude from the 2017 ODI World Cup semi-final exit changed Australia for the good. "I did mark my run-up when we got to the ground but I definitely wasn't needed. I guess just the shift in the attitude to take the game on all the time and to deal with pressure along the way. Just that mentality is the huge shift from the 2017 World Cup has been impressive."

Amazing to watch what she did: Ellyse Perry lauds Alyssa Healy after her ton powers AUS to 7th World Cup title

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey team made a winning start to their campaign at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup here on Saturday as they beat Wales 5-1 in their first pool D match.

Goals were scored by Lalremsiami (4'), Lalrindiki (32', 57'), Mumtaz Khan (41') and Deepika (58') while Millie Holme (26') was the lone goal scorer for Wales.

The Indian team, led by Salima Tete, got off the blocks with a swift attack in the first quarter, creating a penalty corner within a few seconds of the start of the match.

But the Wales goalkeeper Ffion Horrell was quick to respond with a good save. However, the Indian players were determined to make a strong start and scored in the fourth minute through Lalremsiami's deflection that beat the Wales goalie.

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While Wales too won a PC in the first quarter, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi was brilliant at the post to make valuable saves.

India continued to remain resolute in their pursuit as they built on their performance in the second quarter, but the Indian forwards, who created potential goal-scoring opportunities, could not quite put the ball past Wales'&nbsp;defence led by Horrell who was astute at the goal post.

Though Wales put one past India in the 26th minute through Millie Holme, India made amends for their slow second quarter by bouncing back stronger in the third and the fourth quarters.

While Wales began the third quarter by earning a PC, Indian goalie Bichu Devi ensured they did not score from this opportunity. Only two minutes later, India pumped a goal into Wales'&nbsp;post when Lalrindiki got a perfect deflection off Salima Tete's assist.

Later, Mumtaz Khan took India's scoreline to 3-1 when she converted a brilliant field goal in the 41st minute. Meanwhile, Lalrindiki, a quick-thinking forward, was again at the centre of all the action when she fetched India another PC with just three minutes left for the third quarter to end.

But the chance could not be converted with Horrell coming up with yet another fine save. Though India made another PC in the dying minutes of the third quarter, Salima's shot on goal went wide.

In the final quarter, India put up an improvised attack that saw them convert the chances with aplomb.

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Even though their first opportunity came in the 52nd minute when they won another PC, Horrell yet again blocked away from the shot. But with just a little less than four minutes left for the final hooter, Deepika helped win another PC.

Even though Horrell saved the shot, Ajmina Kujur took another shot from the rebound, which was saved again by Horrell.

Lalrindiki was quick to respond as she picked up the rebound and found the gap in India's third attempt. This helped extend India's lead to 4-1 while another PC in the 48th minute which was converted by Deepika, helped fetch India their first win with a formidable 5-1 scoreline.

Following the big win, Captain Salima Tete expressed, "I am very proud of the way we played today. We got off to a good start but gave away chances in the second quarter. I am particularly happy about how we came back into the game in the third and fourth quarters, finishing it off really well. We play Germany tomorrow, a strong team but today's win will give the team good confidence." Indian Junior Women's Team will now take on Germany on Sunday.

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey team made a winning start to their campaign at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup here on Saturday as they beat Wales 5-1 in their first pool D match.

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey team made a winning start to their campaign at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup here on Saturday as they beat Wales 5-1 in their first pool D match. Goals were scored by Lalremsiami (4'), Lalrindiki (32', 57'), Mumtaz Khan (41') and Deepika (58') while Millie Holme (26') was the lone goal scorer for Wales. The Indian team, led by Salima Tete, got off the blocks with a swift attack in the first quarter, creating a penalty corner within a few seconds of the start of the match. But the Wales goalkeeper Ffion Horrell was quick to respond with a good save. However, the Indian players were determined to make a strong start and scored in the fourth minute through Lalremsiami's deflection that beat the Wales goalie. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz defeats defending champion Hubert Hurkacz, to face Ruud in final While Wales too won a PC in the first quarter, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi was brilliant at the post to make valuable saves. India continued to remain resolute in their pursuit as they built on their performance in the second quarter, but the Indian forwards, who created potential goal-scoring opportunities, could not quite put the ball past Wales' defence led by Horrell who was astute at the goal post. Though Wales put one past India in the 26th minute through Millie Holme, India made amends for their slow second quarter by bouncing back stronger in the third and the fourth quarters. While Wales began the third quarter by earning a PC, Indian goalie Bichu Devi ensured they did not score from this opportunity. Only two minutes later, India pumped a goal into Wales' post when Lalrindiki got a perfect deflection off Salima Tete's assist. Later, Mumtaz Khan took India's scoreline to 3-1 when she converted a brilliant field goal in the 41st minute. Meanwhile, Lalrindiki, a quick-thinking forward, was again at the centre of all the action when she fetched India another PC with just three minutes left for the third quarter to end. But the chance could not be converted with Horrell coming up with yet another fine save. Though India made another PC in the dying minutes of the third quarter, Salima's shot on goal went wide. In the final quarter, India put up an improvised attack that saw them convert the chances with aplomb. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Norway's Casper Ruud ends Francisco Cerundolo's dream run to reach first Masters finals Even though their first opportunity came in the 52nd minute when they won another PC, Horrell yet again blocked away from the shot. But with just a little less than four minutes left for the final hooter, Deepika helped win another PC. Even though Horrell saved the shot, Ajmina Kujur took another shot from the rebound, which was saved again by Horrell. Lalrindiki was quick to respond as she picked up the rebound and found the gap in India's third attempt. This helped extend India's lead to 4-1 while another PC in the 48th minute which was converted by Deepika, helped fetch India their first win with a formidable 5-1 scoreline. Following the big win, Captain Salima Tete expressed, "I am very proud of the way we played today. We got off to a good start but gave away chances in the second quarter. I am particularly happy about how we came back into the game in the third and fourth quarters, finishing it off really well. We play Germany tomorrow, a strong team but today's win will give the team good confidence." Indian Junior Women's Team will now take on Germany on Sunday.

Women's FIH Junior World Cup: India thrash Wales 5-1 to start campaign on winning note

As Australia and England prepare to clash in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, it's indeed an irony that despite having won 10 of the previous 11 World Cups between them, the two sides will face off in the title round for the first time in 34 years. 
 
Australia have won six World Cups, while England have bagged four, and the two teams have a lot at stake, given that the Meg Lanning-led side would be in search of a record-extending seventh title, while England will look to defend their crown they won in 2017 at Lord's, defeating India. 
 
Australia have lost only one World Cup final. Back in 2000, at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, hosts New Zealand defeated Australia by just four runs in one of the closest final encounters the tournament has ever seen. 
 
That year, England recorded their worst-ever World Cup finish of fifth before fighting back to take the trophy from Australia in 2009. That same year, England also claimed their first, and only, T20 World Cup as well as an Ashes victory.

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It is something that Australia are hoping to match 13 years later, as they already hold the T20 trophy having secured that on home soil in 2020 before the Ashes were sealed with two games to spare in February, but the one-day World Cup evades them. 
 
Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes already has a winner's medal from 2013, and she is well on her way to a competition record -- the opening batter sits on 429 runs for the tournament, 27 behind Debbie Hockley of New Zealand`s all-time best set in 1997. 
 
That is not the only record that could be broken in the final. England cricketer Sophie Ecclestone has the chance to surpass Australian Lyn Fullston, whose haul of 23 wickets in 1982 remains the mark to beat. 
 
Ecclestone sits on 20 wickets having taken her maiden international five-wicket haul in the semifinal against South Africa ending on 6/36, the best figures by an England bowler in a World Cup. 
 
The left-arm spinner is emblematic of England`s journey in the World Cup, where she and her team didn't quite make an impact at the start but have peaked at exactly the right time. The 22-year-old started with her worst-ever figures in ODIs with none for 77 against Australia in the group stage, while England were on the verge of elimination after losing three games. 
 
Defeats to Australia, West Indies and South Africa saw England down and out, leaving the defending champions reeling, but wins against India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh helped them book their place in the knockouts and set up a rematch of the 2017 semifinal with South Africa. 
 
England saw off the Proteas with ease to keep their hopes of a fifth title alive, and Ecclestone praised captain Heather Knight's leadership as she guided her side back from the brink.

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"Obviously we didn't start off great, I think the three from three losses wasn't great but to come back the way we have. I think Heather's a big part of this group and what we've achieved, so hopefully we can go out there on Sunday and do it for Heather," said Ecclestone. 
 
Knight has the chance to make history as the first England captain to guide her side to back-to-back titles, that day at Lord's in 2017 is still fresh in their minds. However, Australia's memories of five years ago are morale shattering. 
 
Meg Lanning's side was knocked out of the semifinal by the batting brilliance from India's Harmanpreet Kaur. And for fast bowler Megan Schutt, that result has led Australia to make a massive overhaul in terms of tactics. 
 
"That was a very long time ago. We're a very different team and when I see photos from the 11 that were on that field, it's almost a 180 flip. What that brought was a form of professionalism and accountability that we didn't have back then and now we have plans A through to F and that was the kick up the butt that we needed. As much as we can talk about that being a failure and whatnot, that actually created a really good dynasty for us and it`s nice five years later to finally be in a final," said Schutt.

As Australia and England prepare to clash in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, it's indeed an irony that despite having won 10 of the previous 11 World Cups between them, the two sides will face off in the title round for the first time in 34 years.

As Australia and England prepare to clash in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final at the Hagley Oval on Sunday, it's indeed an irony that despite having won 10 of the previous 11 World Cups between them, the two sides will face off in the title round for the first time in 34 years. Australia have won six World Cups, while England have bagged four, and the two teams have a lot at stake, given that the Meg Lanning-led side would be in search of a record-extending seventh title, while England will look to defend their crown they won in 2017 at Lord's, defeating India. Australia have lost only one World Cup final. Back in 2000, at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, hosts New Zealand defeated Australia by just four runs in one of the closest final encounters the tournament has ever seen. That year, England recorded their worst-ever World Cup finish of fifth before fighting back to take the trophy from Australia in 2009. That same year, England also claimed their first, and only, T20 World Cup as well as an Ashes victory. ALSO READ: India PM Narendra Modi extends best wishes to Team Australia for ICC Women's World Cup final It is something that Australia are hoping to match 13 years later, as they already hold the T20 trophy having secured that on home soil in 2020 before the Ashes were sealed with two games to spare in February, but the one-day World Cup evades them. Australian vice-captain Rachael Haynes already has a winner's medal from 2013, and she is well on her way to a competition record -- the opening batter sits on 429 runs for the tournament, 27 behind Debbie Hockley of New Zealand`s all-time best set in 1997. That is not the only record that could be broken in the final. England cricketer Sophie Ecclestone has the chance to surpass Australian Lyn Fullston, whose haul of 23 wickets in 1982 remains the mark to beat. Ecclestone sits on 20 wickets having taken her maiden international five-wicket haul in the semifinal against South Africa ending on 6/36, the best figures by an England bowler in a World Cup. The left-arm spinner is emblematic of England`s journey in the World Cup, where she and her team didn't quite make an impact at the start but have peaked at exactly the right time. The 22-year-old started with her worst-ever figures in ODIs with none for 77 against Australia in the group stage, while England were on the verge of elimination after losing three games. Defeats to Australia, West Indies and South Africa saw England down and out, leaving the defending champions reeling, but wins against India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh helped them book their place in the knockouts and set up a rematch of the 2017 semifinal with South Africa. England saw off the Proteas with ease to keep their hopes of a fifth title alive, and Ecclestone praised captain Heather Knight's leadership as she guided her side back from the brink. ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh recalls India's 2011 World Cup triumph: This was dream of billion Indians being fulfilled "Obviously we didn't start off great, I think the three from three losses wasn't great but to come back the way we have. I think Heather's a big part of this group and what we've achieved, so hopefully we can go out there on Sunday and do it for Heather," said Ecclestone. Knight has the chance to make history as the first England captain to guide her side to back-to-back titles, that day at Lord's in 2017 is still fresh in their minds. However, Australia's memories of five years ago are morale shattering. Meg Lanning's side was knocked out of the semifinal by the batting brilliance from India's Harmanpreet Kaur. And for fast bowler Megan Schutt, that result has led Australia to make a massive overhaul in terms of tactics. "That was a very long time ago. We're a very different team and when I see photos from the 11 that were on that field, it's almost a 180 flip. What that brought was a form of professionalism and accountability that we didn't have back then and now we have plans A through to F and that was the kick up the butt that we needed. As much as we can talk about that being a failure and whatnot, that actually created a really good dynasty for us and it`s nice five years later to finally be in a final," said Schutt.

Women's WC Final: England look for title defence as undefeated Australia gears up for seventh championship

Danni Wyatt scored her second one-day international century and Sophie Ecclestone took six wickets as champions England crushed South Africa by 137 runs on Thursday to set up a mouthwatering Women's World Cup final against heavyweights Australia.

Wyatt, dropped five times, punished South Africa with 129 off 125 balls to help England build an imposing 293 for eight at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. 
South Africa had won the toss and elected to field.

Ecclestone, the world's top-ranked spinner, celebrated a personal best 6-36 as South Africa collapsed to be all out for 156.

"Really pleased, that was a really complete performance from the girls today, something we’ve been searching for," England captain Heather Knight said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-lsg-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-chennai-super-kings-vs-lucknow-super-giants-match-467080">CSK vs LSG, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants match?</a>

"I think we’ll go in as underdogs (against Australia) for sure but we’re all equal at the start of the game."

Having started the tournament with three straight defeats, England have rebounded with five wins.

Thursday's victory was their most complete performance of the tournament, with Sophia Dunkley chipping in 60 in a 116-run partnership with Wyatt for the fifth wicket.

The English may need to lift their game again, however, to beat undefeated Australia at the same venue on Sunday.

Meg Lanning's side thrashed West Indies in the other semi-final and have a chip on their shoulder after being knocked out of the 2017 semi-finals.

Australia are unlikely to reproduce South Africa's ragged fielding display, which saw Wyatt dropped on 22, 36, 77, 116 and 117 before she was finally caught by a scrambling Lizelle Lee after hitting Masabata Klaas to short third man.

By that time, England were well on the way to setting South Africa a would-be world record chase.

Seamer Anya Shrubsole, the hero of the 2017 World Cup final, quickly put South Africa on the back foot with a fine spell of swing bowling to remove Lee for two and the dangerous Laura Wolvaardt for a caught-and-bowled duck.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/universe-boss-show-not-over-yet-chris-gayle-kicks-off-preparations-for-ipl-2023-see-pic-467065">Universe Boss' show not over yet! Chris Gayle kicks off preparations for IPL 2023 - see pic</a>

Kate Cross and Charlie Dean took a wicket each to leave South Africa teetering at 67 for four before Ecclestone grabbed the remaining wickets to wrap up the match early.

Australia and England have won all of the 50-over World Cups barring New Zealand's sole triumph in 2000 on home soil.

Three-times semi-finalists South Africa missed out on a maiden final again but captain Sune Luus said her team had a "great World Cup".

"Don't think we had our best fielding performance (today)," she said.

"I just think we needed to be clinical today and we weren’t."

Danni Wyatt scored her second one-day international century and Sophie Ecclestone took six wickets as champions England crushed South Africa by 137 runs on Thursday to set up a mouthwatering Women's World Cup final against heavyweights Australia.

Danni Wyatt scored her second one-day international century and Sophie Ecclestone took six wickets as champions England crushed South Africa by 137 runs on Thursday to set up a mouthwatering Women's World Cup final against heavyweights Australia. Wyatt, dropped five times, punished South Africa with 129 off 125 balls to help England build an imposing 293 for eight at Christchurch's Hagley Oval. South Africa had won the toss and elected to field. Ecclestone, the world's top-ranked spinner, celebrated a personal best 6-36 as South Africa collapsed to be all out for 156. "Really pleased, that was a really complete performance from the girls today, something we’ve been searching for," England captain Heather Knight said. ALSO READ: CSK vs LSG, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants match? "I think we’ll go in as underdogs (against Australia) for sure but we’re all equal at the start of the game." Having started the tournament with three straight defeats, England have rebounded with five wins. Thursday's victory was their most complete performance of the tournament, with Sophia Dunkley chipping in 60 in a 116-run partnership with Wyatt for the fifth wicket. The English may need to lift their game again, however, to beat undefeated Australia at the same venue on Sunday. Meg Lanning's side thrashed West Indies in the other semi-final and have a chip on their shoulder after being knocked out of the 2017 semi-finals. Australia are unlikely to reproduce South Africa's ragged fielding display, which saw Wyatt dropped on 22, 36, 77, 116 and 117 before she was finally caught by a scrambling Lizelle Lee after hitting Masabata Klaas to short third man. By that time, England were well on the way to setting South Africa a would-be world record chase. Seamer Anya Shrubsole, the hero of the 2017 World Cup final, quickly put South Africa on the back foot with a fine spell of swing bowling to remove Lee for two and the dangerous Laura Wolvaardt for a caught-and-bowled duck. ALSO READ: Universe Boss' show not over yet! Chris Gayle kicks off preparations for IPL 2023 - see pic Kate Cross and Charlie Dean took a wicket each to leave South Africa teetering at 67 for four before Ecclestone grabbed the remaining wickets to wrap up the match early. Australia and England have won all of the 50-over World Cups barring New Zealand's sole triumph in 2000 on home soil. Three-times semi-finalists South Africa missed out on a maiden final again but captain Sune Luus said her team had a "great World Cup". "Don't think we had our best fielding performance (today)," she said. "I just think we needed to be clinical today and we weren’t."

Women's World Cup: England thrash South Africa by 137 runs to set up summit clash against Australia

Australia skipper Meg Lanning on Tuesday announced that all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the upcoming semi-final clash of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup against West Indies.

Perry was forced from the field during Australia's match against South Africa last Tuesday due to back spasms.

"We'll go in without her tomorrow and we'll keep assessing her if we are to progress in the tournament. So, unfortunate for her and the team, obviously, a big blow but we feel like we've got some good depth to be able to cover it and we're going to have to do that tomorrow," said Lanning as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-india-in-last-ball-thriller-as-mithali-raj-co-crash-out-of-womens-world-cup-2022-465912">South Africa beat India in last-ball thriller as Mithali Raj &amp; Co. crash out of Women's World Cup 2022</a>

Australia were hopeful about Perry's recovery on time but they were focused on putting their best foot forward in the semi-final with the personnel available at their disposal.

"Look, she hasn't done a lot [of training] over the past week, to be fair. She batted a little bit in the nets yesterday and felt okay, but she certainly just wasn't in a position, unfortunately, to be able to perform at the level needed tomorrow. So, that was why we`ve made the call on that today," said Lanning.

"But, to be honest, we haven't looked too far ahead. We will keep assessing her as we go if we are to progress but the team and the squad is very focused on tomorrow and making sure that we're putting out our best game because everything else is irrelevant, to be honest," she added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/over-to-the-younger-generation-as-mithali-jhulans-world-cup-dream-remains-unfulfilled-466436">We fall, we rise: Over to the younger lot as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami's World Cup dream remains unfulfilled</a>

This is the second World Cup semi-final on the trot Perry will miss, having sat out the 2020 T20 World Cup semi-final and the final on home soil through a hamstring injury sustained in eventual champions Australia's last league fixture.

Australia and West Indies will be facing each other in the semi-final match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup on Wednesday.

Australia skipper Meg Lanning on Tuesday announced that all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the upcoming semi-final clash of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup against West Indies.

Australia skipper Meg Lanning on Tuesday announced that all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been ruled out of the upcoming semi-final clash of the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup against West Indies. Perry was forced from the field during Australia's match against South Africa last Tuesday due to back spasms. "We'll go in without her tomorrow and we'll keep assessing her if we are to progress in the tournament. So, unfortunate for her and the team, obviously, a big blow but we feel like we've got some good depth to be able to cover it and we're going to have to do that tomorrow," said Lanning as reported by ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ: South Africa beat India in last-ball thriller as Mithali Raj & Co. crash out of Women's World Cup 2022 Australia were hopeful about Perry's recovery on time but they were focused on putting their best foot forward in the semi-final with the personnel available at their disposal. "Look, she hasn't done a lot [of training] over the past week, to be fair. She batted a little bit in the nets yesterday and felt okay, but she certainly just wasn't in a position, unfortunately, to be able to perform at the level needed tomorrow. So, that was why we`ve made the call on that today," said Lanning. "But, to be honest, we haven't looked too far ahead. We will keep assessing her as we go if we are to progress but the team and the squad is very focused on tomorrow and making sure that we're putting out our best game because everything else is irrelevant, to be honest," she added. ALSO READ: We fall, we rise: Over to the younger lot as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami's World Cup dream remains unfulfilled This is the second World Cup semi-final on the trot Perry will miss, having sat out the 2020 T20 World Cup semi-final and the final on home soil through a hamstring injury sustained in eventual champions Australia's last league fixture. Australia and West Indies will be facing each other in the semi-final match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup on Wednesday.

Women's WC: Huge blow for Australia as all-rounder Ellyse Perry ruled out of semifinal clash against WI

It was a game of fine margins as a crucial no-ball call in the final over meant that India were eliminated from the 2022 Women’s World Cup after losing to South Africa. With 3 runs need from 2 balls, Deepti Sharma dismissed Mignon du Preez as Harmanpreet Kaur took the catch at long-off.<o:p></o:p>

However, the celebration was short lived as the third umpire confirmed that it was a no-ball and du Preez scored a boundary off the very next ball to end India’s dreams of reaching the knockout stage.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-beat-india-in-last-ball-thriller-as-mithali-raj-co-crash-out-of-womens-world-cup-2022-465912">SA beat India in last-ball thriller to dump them out of Women's WC 2022</a><o:p></o:p>

Former India opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to console the Indian women’s cricket team after the defeat and said that sometimes ‘an inch costs moments that took a decade to achieve’.

<o:p></o:p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It wasn't just the no ball which cost India the game today but sometimes an inch costs moments that takes decades to achieve and are possibly once in a lifetime achievement for many players. Disappointing end to India's campaign <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cwc22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cwc22</a> <a href="https://t.co/2DzerovJD1">pic.twitter.com/2DzerovJD1</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1508009659214434304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p>“It wasn't just the no ball which cost India the game today but sometimes an inch costs moments that takes decades to achieve and are possibly once in a lifetime achievement for many players. Disappointing end to India's campaign #IndvSA #cwc22,” Sehwag posted on his account.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-scripts-unique-record-with-his-brilliant-fifty-against-kolkata-knight-riders-in-ipl-2022-opener-465870" hreflang="en">IPL 2022: MS Dhoni scripts unique record with brilliant fifty against KKR</a><o:p></o:p>

Batting first, India were able to post a total of 274 for the loss of seven wickets thanks to brilliant contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma who stitched together a 91-run partnership for the opening wicket. Skipper Mithali Raj capitalized on the foundation and scored her 64th fifty. <o:p></o:p>

While bowling, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Harmanpreet took two wickets each but Laura Wolvaardt started well and du Preez played another brilliant knock to guide South Africa to victory. Du Preez came to bat at a difficult situation and her 52-run knock earned her the Player of the Match award. <o:p></o:p>

It was a game of fine margins as a crucial no-ball call in the final over meant that India were eliminated from the 2022 Women’s World Cup after losing to South Africa.

It was a game of fine margins as a crucial no-ball call in the final over meant that India were eliminated from the 2022 Women’s World Cup after losing to South Africa. With 3 runs need from 2 balls, Deepti Sharma dismissed Mignon du Preez as Harmanpreet Kaur took the catch at long-off. However, the celebration was short lived as the third umpire confirmed that it was a no-ball and du Preez scored a boundary off the very next ball to end India’s dreams of reaching the knockout stage. Also read | SA beat India in last-ball thriller to dump them out of Women's WC 2022 Former India opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to console the Indian women’s cricket team after the defeat and said that sometimes ‘an inch costs moments that took a decade to achieve’. It wasn't just the no ball which cost India the game today but sometimes an inch costs moments that takes decades to achieve and are possibly once in a lifetime achievement for many players. Disappointing end to India's campaign #IndvSA #cwc22 pic.twitter.com/2DzerovJD1 — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 27, 2022 × “It wasn't just the no ball which cost India the game today but sometimes an inch costs moments that takes decades to achieve and are possibly once in a lifetime achievement for many players. Disappointing end to India's campaign #IndvSA #cwc22,” Sehwag posted on his account. Also read | IPL 2022: MS Dhoni scripts unique record with brilliant fifty against KKR Batting first, India were able to post a total of 274 for the loss of seven wickets thanks to brilliant contributions from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma who stitched together a 91-run partnership for the opening wicket. Skipper Mithali Raj capitalized on the foundation and scored her 64th fifty. While bowling, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Harmanpreet took two wickets each but Laura Wolvaardt started well and du Preez played another brilliant knock to guide South Africa to victory. Du Preez came to bat at a difficult situation and her 52-run knock earned her the Player of the Match award.

'It wasn't just the no ball' - Virender Sehwag reacts to India's Women's WC 2022 heartbreak

Defending champions England booked their spot in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals with an easy 100-run triumph over Bangladesh here at Basin Reserve on Sunday.

Sophia Dunkley's 67 helped the reigning World Cup champions post 234/6 at Basin Reserve and a brilliant bowling performance by Sophie Ecclestone's spell of 3/15.

Bangladesh made slow progress and kept losing wickets in their chase of 235 against England.

All-rounder Lata Mondal top-scored for Bangladesh with 30 and openers Shamima Sultana and Sharmin Akhter made 23 apiece.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mithali-raj-achieves-unique-feat-becomes-oldest-indian-cricketer-to-score-half-century-in-womens-world-cup-465894">Mithali Raj creates world record, becomes oldest Indian cricketer to score half-century in Women's World Cup</a>

Sophie Ecclestone and Charlotte Dean took three wickets apiece while Freya Davies took one as Bangladesh were bowled out for 134 runs in 48 overs.

Earlier, a brilliant half-century from Sophia Dunkley helped England recover from a collapse of 96 for four.

Salma Khatun's two wickets were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, who combined well to make sure England couldn't gather too much momentum in their innings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-semifinal-berth-at-stake-as-india-face-south-africa-in-do-or-die-clash-465750">Women's World Cup: Semifinal berth at stake as India face South Africa in do-or-die clash</a>

England's quest to reach the knockout stages of the tournament actually started poorly, with Danni Wyatt on six runs and Knight also on six runs falling inside the first eight overs and the score only on 26.

Natalie Sciver 40, Amy Jones 31 and Katherine Brunt 24* also made key contributions to help England post 235 for six in the must-win game for the defending champions.

Brief score: England 234/6 (Sophia Dunkley 67, Nat Sciver 40; Salma Khatun 2/46) Bangladesh 134/10 (Salma Khatun 30, Sharmin Akhter 23; Sophie Ecclestone 3/15).&nbsp;

Defending champions England booked their spot in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals with an easy 100-run triumph over Bangladesh here at Basin Reserve on Sunday.

Defending champions England booked their spot in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semi-finals with an easy 100-run triumph over Bangladesh here at Basin Reserve on Sunday. Sophia Dunkley's 67 helped the reigning World Cup champions post 234/6 at Basin Reserve and a brilliant bowling performance by Sophie Ecclestone's spell of 3/15. Bangladesh made slow progress and kept losing wickets in their chase of 235 against England. All-rounder Lata Mondal top-scored for Bangladesh with 30 and openers Shamima Sultana and Sharmin Akhter made 23 apiece. ALSO READ: Mithali Raj creates world record, becomes oldest Indian cricketer to score half-century in Women's World Cup Sophie Ecclestone and Charlotte Dean took three wickets apiece while Freya Davies took one as Bangladesh were bowled out for 134 runs in 48 overs. Earlier, a brilliant half-century from Sophia Dunkley helped England recover from a collapse of 96 for four. Salma Khatun's two wickets were the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, who combined well to make sure England couldn't gather too much momentum in their innings. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Semifinal berth at stake as India face South Africa in do-or-die clash England's quest to reach the knockout stages of the tournament actually started poorly, with Danni Wyatt on six runs and Knight also on six runs falling inside the first eight overs and the score only on 26. Natalie Sciver 40, Amy Jones 31 and Katherine Brunt 24* also made key contributions to help England post 235 for six in the must-win game for the defending champions. Brief score: England 234/6 (Sophia Dunkley 67, Nat Sciver 40; Salma Khatun 2/46) Bangladesh 134/10 (Salma Khatun 30, Sharmin Akhter 23; Sophie Ecclestone 3/15).

Women's World Cup: Defending champions England book semis spot with comfortable 100 run win against Bangladesh

Mithali Raj on Sunday became the oldest Indian cricketer to score a half-century in the ICC Women's World Cup.

Mithali achieved this feat in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup clash against South Africa here in Christchurch on Sunday.

Interestingly, the current Women in Blue skipper was also the youngest Indian cricketer to score a half-century in the Women's World Cup back in 2000 against South Africa.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-semifinal-berth-at-stake-as-india-face-south-africa-in-do-or-die-clash-465750">Women's World Cup: Semifinal berth at stake as India face South Africa in do-or-die clash</a>

Coming to the match, Mithali, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma shone and scored their respective half-centuries, to propel team India to the total of 274/7, in the first innings of the ongoing clash against South Africa.

India need to defend a total of 275 runs against South Africa, in order to seal the semi-final berth in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

Mithali Raj on Sunday became the oldest Indian cricketer to score a half-century in the ICC Women's World Cup. Mithali achieved this feat in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup clash against South Africa here in Christchurch on Sunday.

Mithali Raj on Sunday became the oldest Indian cricketer to score a half-century in the ICC Women's World Cup. Mithali achieved this feat in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup clash against South Africa here in Christchurch on Sunday. Interestingly, the current Women in Blue skipper was also the youngest Indian cricketer to score a half-century in the Women's World Cup back in 2000 against South Africa. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Semifinal berth at stake as India face South Africa in do-or-die clash Coming to the match, Mithali, Smriti Mandhana, and Shafali Verma shone and scored their respective half-centuries, to propel team India to the total of 274/7, in the first innings of the ongoing clash against South Africa. India need to defend a total of 275 runs against South Africa, in order to seal the semi-final berth in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

Mithali Raj creates world record, becomes oldest Indian cricketer to score half-century in Women's World Cup

Their destiny in their own hands, India will go all out to brush off an inconsistent run and seal a semifinal berth in the Women's World Cup when they play South Africa in a do-or-die match here on Sunday.

So far in the tournament, the 2017 runners-up haven't fired in the manner they would have like to.

With three wins and as many losses India, who are in the fifth spot with six points in the overall standings, find themselves in a must-win situation heading into their final league match.

Their semifinal chances were dented when West Indies, who are also vying to advance to the knockout stage, and South Africa's match was washed out with the former moving up to seven points earlier this week.

A win on Sunday will see India advance to the last four, and a point from the game will also work for the Mithali Raj-led side, as they have a superior NRR (+0.768) than West Indies (-0.890).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-suzie-bates-ton-hannah-rowes-five-for-powers-new-zealand-to-71-run-win-over-pakistan-465729">Women's World Cup: Suzie Bates' ton, Hannah Rowe's five-for powers New Zealand to 71-run win over Pakistan</a>

In case India lose to South Africa, their only hope of advancing to the semifinals will be if England, who have a better NRR (+0.778), also lose their last league stage match to Bangladesh and finish on a lower NRR. That seems unlikely, though.

But the 'Women in Blue' would want to hold all the cards and also get a two-match winning momentum going into the semifinals.

India's inconsistent batting came to the fore yet again in an otherwise 110-run win against Bangladesh, and skipper Raj would be keen to improve on that aspect against a challenging South African bowling attack.

"Tomorrow is a crucial game and everyone knows that. They are all ready to give their 100 percent. Whoever goes out to bat goes out thinking we have to get partnerships and back each other," Shafali Verma said at the pre-match press conference.

"We want good partnerships in tomorrow's match as a batting unit.The bowling and fielding has become quite good. We have improved as a team," she added.

Raj herself has been struggling with the willow. She has four single-digit scores in the tournament.

Potentially playing her last game for India should they not make the semis, the 39-year-old veteran would be eager to get some runs under her belt, and ensure that her team makes the cut.

Smriti Mandhana, barring the century against West Indies, has also looked scratchy. Shafali got some much-needed runs against Bangladesh while Yastika Bhatia has slotted herself perfectly at No. 3.

Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been India's most consistent performer with the bat while all-rounders Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana have shown they can be counted on to score quick runs down the order.

The batters will need to fire as a group to get the better of South Africa who have only lost one match in the tournament.

The bowling department, which has looked lacklustre at times, put up a much-improved show against Bangladesh. The move to bring in spinner Poonam

Yadav in place of pacer Meghna Singh paid off for India.

However, it remains to be seen if India persist with two pacers, three spinners strategy at the Hagley Oval, which has a balanced track where the bowlers will have to be disciplined with their line and lengths.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-not-make-yo-yo-test-more-difficult-considering-players-mental-health-465717">BCCI to not make Yo-Yo test more difficult considering players'&nbsp;mental health</a>

South Africa, on the other hand, have already qualified for the semifinals. They sit second in the overall standings, behind Australia.

However, batting remains a concern for the Proteas. Laura Wolvaardt has been South Africa's stand-out batter. Skipper Sune Luus has three half-centuries while Marizanne Kapp has played a few cameos.

The teams (from):

India: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav.

South Africa: Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon (vc), Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Laura Wolvaardt.

Match starts 6.30 am IST.

Their destiny in their own hands, India will go all out to brush off an inconsistent run and seal a semifinal berth in the Women's World Cup when they play South Africa in a do-or-die match here on Sunday.

Their destiny in their own hands, India will go all out to brush off an inconsistent run and seal a semifinal berth in the Women's World Cup when they play South Africa in a do-or-die match here on Sunday. So far in the tournament, the 2017 runners-up haven't fired in the manner they would have like to. With three wins and as many losses India, who are in the fifth spot with six points in the overall standings, find themselves in a must-win situation heading into their final league match. Their semifinal chances were dented when West Indies, who are also vying to advance to the knockout stage, and South Africa's match was washed out with the former moving up to seven points earlier this week. A win on Sunday will see India advance to the last four, and a point from the game will also work for the Mithali Raj-led side, as they have a superior NRR (+0.768) than West Indies (-0.890). ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: Suzie Bates' ton, Hannah Rowe's five-for powers New Zealand to 71-run win over Pakistan In case India lose to South Africa, their only hope of advancing to the semifinals will be if England, who have a better NRR (+0.778), also lose their last league stage match to Bangladesh and finish on a lower NRR. That seems unlikely, though. But the 'Women in Blue' would want to hold all the cards and also get a two-match winning momentum going into the semifinals. India's inconsistent batting came to the fore yet again in an otherwise 110-run win against Bangladesh, and skipper Raj would be keen to improve on that aspect against a challenging South African bowling attack. "Tomorrow is a crucial game and everyone knows that. They are all ready to give their 100 percent. Whoever goes out to bat goes out thinking we have to get partnerships and back each other," Shafali Verma said at the pre-match press conference. "We want good partnerships in tomorrow's match as a batting unit.The bowling and fielding has become quite good. We have improved as a team," she added. Raj herself has been struggling with the willow. She has four single-digit scores in the tournament. Potentially playing her last game for India should they not make the semis, the 39-year-old veteran would be eager to get some runs under her belt, and ensure that her team makes the cut. Smriti Mandhana, barring the century against West Indies, has also looked scratchy. Shafali got some much-needed runs against Bangladesh while Yastika Bhatia has slotted herself perfectly at No. 3. Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been India's most consistent performer with the bat while all-rounders Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana have shown they can be counted on to score quick runs down the order. The batters will need to fire as a group to get the better of South Africa who have only lost one match in the tournament. The bowling department, which has looked lacklustre at times, put up a much-improved show against Bangladesh. The move to bring in spinner Poonam Yadav in place of pacer Meghna Singh paid off for India. However, it remains to be seen if India persist with two pacers, three spinners strategy at the Hagley Oval, which has a balanced track where the bowlers will have to be disciplined with their line and lengths. ALSO READ: BCCI to not make Yo-Yo test more difficult considering players' mental health South Africa, on the other hand, have already qualified for the semifinals. They sit second in the overall standings, behind Australia. However, batting remains a concern for the Proteas. Laura Wolvaardt has been South Africa's stand-out batter. Skipper Sune Luus has three half-centuries while Marizanne Kapp has played a few cameos. The teams (from): India: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur (vc), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav. South Africa: Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon (vc), Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Mignon du Preez, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Laura Wolvaardt. Match starts 6.30 am IST.

Women's World Cup: Semifinal berth at stake as India face South Africa in do-or-die clash

Beth Mooney's unbeaten 66 led Australia to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh, continuing their winning streak at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

Chasing 136 runs, Australia struggled for the first time in the World Cup. The World No. 1 team lost 5 wickets for just 72 runs before Beth Mooney took over.

Salma Khatun single-handedly took out Australia's top order to reduce the tournament favourites to 26/3. The Bangladesh spinner had Alyssa Healy caught in the deep for 15 and then produced a ripper to get the big wicket of captain Meg Lanning, who fell on zero.

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Rachael Haynes scored 7 and Tahlia McGrath on 3 runs followed shortly after as Australia felt the pressure to crumble to 41/4. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner came and went for a quickfire 13, but Mooney and Annabel Sutherland 26* held their nerves to help Australia cruise home.

Earlier in the day, Lata Mondal top-scored for Bangladesh with an excellent 33 as the Asian side struggled to cope with Australian spinners.

Bangladesh actually had a good start to their innings with Murshida Khatun 12 and Sharmin Akhter 24 able to safely negotiate an Australia seam attack missing star quick Ellyse Perry because of injury.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-south-africa-book-semi-final-berth-after-washout-against-west-indies-465101">Women's World Cup: South Africa book semi-final berth after washout against West Indies</a>

Bangladesh's key batter Fargana Hoque was dismissed on 8 runs by Annabel Sutherland before Sharmin Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana 7 fell to Jess Jonassen in quick succession to leave Bangladesh with a mountain to climb at 62/4.

Rumana Ahmed scored 15 and combined with Mondal for a 33-run stand and Khatun's unbeaten 15 looked assured at the crease as Bangladesh pushed hard to increase the rate in the late stages of their innings.

Brief score: Bangladesh 135/6 in 43 overs (Sharmin Akhter 24, Lata Mondal 33; Jess Jonassen 2-13) vs Australia 136/5 in 32.1 overs (Beth Mooney 66*, Annabel Sutherland 26; Salma Khatun 3-23).

Beth Mooney's unbeaten 66 led Australia to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh, continuing their winning streak at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

Beth Mooney's unbeaten 66 led Australia to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh, continuing their winning streak at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at the Basin Reserve on Friday. Chasing 136 runs, Australia struggled for the first time in the World Cup. The World No. 1 team lost 5 wickets for just 72 runs before Beth Mooney took over. Salma Khatun single-handedly took out Australia's top order to reduce the tournament favourites to 26/3. The Bangladesh spinner had Alyssa Healy caught in the deep for 15 and then produced a ripper to get the big wicket of captain Meg Lanning, who fell on zero. ALSO READ: UK govt backs calls to limit funding unless ECB demonstrate continuous progress in getting rid of racism Rachael Haynes scored 7 and Tahlia McGrath on 3 runs followed shortly after as Australia felt the pressure to crumble to 41/4. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner came and went for a quickfire 13, but Mooney and Annabel Sutherland 26* held their nerves to help Australia cruise home. Earlier in the day, Lata Mondal top-scored for Bangladesh with an excellent 33 as the Asian side struggled to cope with Australian spinners. Bangladesh actually had a good start to their innings with Murshida Khatun 12 and Sharmin Akhter 24 able to safely negotiate an Australia seam attack missing star quick Ellyse Perry because of injury. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup: South Africa book semi-final berth after washout against West Indies Bangladesh's key batter Fargana Hoque was dismissed on 8 runs by Annabel Sutherland before Sharmin Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana 7 fell to Jess Jonassen in quick succession to leave Bangladesh with a mountain to climb at 62/4. Rumana Ahmed scored 15 and combined with Mondal for a 33-run stand and Khatun's unbeaten 15 looked assured at the crease as Bangladesh pushed hard to increase the rate in the late stages of their innings. Brief score: Bangladesh 135/6 in 43 overs (Sharmin Akhter 24, Lata Mondal 33; Jess Jonassen 2-13) vs Australia 136/5 in 32.1 overs (Beth Mooney 66*, Annabel Sutherland 26; Salma Khatun 3-23).

Women's World Cup: Beth Mooney's half-century powers undefeated Australia to five-wicket win vs Bangladesh

England bowlers bundled out Pakistan for 105 before their batters chased down the target with ease to claim a nine-wicket victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at Hagley Oval on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 106, Tammy Beaumont was sent back to the pavilion after scoring just two runs.

Danni Wyatt and captain Heather Knight provided a solid winning platform for England as they stitched a vital partnership.

Knight and Wyatt both remained unbeaten on 76 and 24 respectively as celebrations erupted in the England camp with a nine-wicket victory in just 19.2 overs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cruise-to-seven-wicket-victory-in-3rd-odi-to-bag-first-ever-series-win-in-south-africa-464974">Bangladesh cruise to seven-wicket victory in 3rd ODI to bag first-ever series win in South Africa</a>

Earlier, Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone picked up three wickets each, with the pacer getting the early wickets to peg Pakistan back while the spinner cleaned up the lower-order.

Sidra Ameen and Sidra Nawaz were the only two batters for Pakistan who put up scores of 20+ as the rest of the batting order had no answer to the English bowlers.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Brunt played a major role in restricting Pakistan early on.

Brunt struck with the first ball of the match when she dismissed Nahida Khan for a duck and some poor running between the wickets saw Bismah Maroof (9) and Omaima Sohail (11) run out shortly after as Pakistan stumbled to 33/3.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pak-vs-aus-3rd-test-pat-cummins-achieves-new-feat-as-his-556-puts-visitors-on-top-in-lahore-464967">Pak vs Aus, 3rd Test: Pat Cummins achieves new feat as his 5/56 puts visitors on top in Lahore</a>

The England team, playing under the leadership of Heather Knight, registered its third consecutive win in the tournament.

They now have six points and is close to making it to the semi-finals. The team has currently reached the fourth place, while India has slipped to number five with the same number of points as England in six matches.

England are ahead of India with a better net run rate.

Brief score: Pakistan 105/10 (Sidra Ameen 32, Sidra Nawaz 23; Katherine Brunt 3-17) England 107/1 (Danni Wyatt 76*, Heather Knight 24*; Diana Baig 1-14).

England bowlers bundled out Pakistan for 105 before their batters chased down the target with ease to claim a nine-wicket victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at Hagley Oval on Thursday.

England bowlers bundled out Pakistan for 105 before their batters chased down the target with ease to claim a nine-wicket victory in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 here at Hagley Oval on Thursday. Chasing a target of 106, Tammy Beaumont was sent back to the pavilion after scoring just two runs. Danni Wyatt and captain Heather Knight provided a solid winning platform for England as they stitched a vital partnership. Knight and Wyatt both remained unbeaten on 76 and 24 respectively as celebrations erupted in the England camp with a nine-wicket victory in just 19.2 overs. ALSO READ: Bangladesh cruise to seven-wicket victory in 3rd ODI to bag first-ever series win in South Africa Earlier, Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone picked up three wickets each, with the pacer getting the early wickets to peg Pakistan back while the spinner cleaned up the lower-order. Sidra Ameen and Sidra Nawaz were the only two batters for Pakistan who put up scores of 20+ as the rest of the batting order had no answer to the English bowlers. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Brunt played a major role in restricting Pakistan early on. Brunt struck with the first ball of the match when she dismissed Nahida Khan for a duck and some poor running between the wickets saw Bismah Maroof (9) and Omaima Sohail (11) run out shortly after as Pakistan stumbled to 33/3. ALSO READ: Pak vs Aus, 3rd Test: Pat Cummins achieves new feat as his 5/56 puts visitors on top in Lahore The England team, playing under the leadership of Heather Knight, registered its third consecutive win in the tournament. They now have six points and is close to making it to the semi-finals. The team has currently reached the fourth place, while India has slipped to number five with the same number of points as England in six matches. England are ahead of India with a better net run rate. Brief score: Pakistan 105/10 (Sidra Ameen 32, Sidra Nawaz 23; Katherine Brunt 3-17) England 107/1 (Danni Wyatt 76*, Heather Knight 24*; Diana Baig 1-14).

Women's World Cup: All-round England thrash Pakistan by nine wickets to keep semis hopes alive

South Africa became the second team to reach the Women's World Cup semi-finals after Thursday's group match against West Indies was abandoned due to rain.

South Africa were 61 for 4 after 10.5 overs at Basin Reserve in Wellington before the match was called off, with both teams receiving a point.

South Africa have nine points and will finish second in the round-robin stage behind unbeaten Australia, who lead with 12 points. Both teams have one round-robin match left.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-2645-to-268-all-out-pakistan-suffer-their-worst-ever-five-wicket-collapse-during-lahore-test-465070">From 264/5 to 268 all-out: Pakistan suffer their worst-ever five-wicket collapse during Lahore Test</a>

West Indies are third on seven points having played all seven of their matches, while India are fourth on six points with a game still to play.

Defending champions England are fifth on four points from five matches and face Pakistan in Christchurch on Thursday.

The 50-overs tournament features eight teams in the round-robin phase with the top four advancing to the semis.

South Africa became the second team to reach the Women's World Cup semi-finals after Thursday's group match against West Indies was abandoned due to rain. South Africa were 61 for 4 after 10.

South Africa became the second team to reach the Women's World Cup semi-finals after Thursday's group match against West Indies was abandoned due to rain. South Africa were 61 for 4 after 10.5 overs at Basin Reserve in Wellington before the match was called off, with both teams receiving a point. South Africa have nine points and will finish second in the round-robin stage behind unbeaten Australia, who lead with 12 points. Both teams have one round-robin match left. ALSO READ: From 264/5 to 268 all-out: Pakistan suffer their worst-ever five-wicket collapse during Lahore Test West Indies are third on seven points having played all seven of their matches, while India are fourth on six points with a game still to play. Defending champions England are fifth on four points from five matches and face Pakistan in Christchurch on Thursday. The 50-overs tournament features eight teams in the round-robin phase with the top four advancing to the semis.

Women's World Cup: South Africa book semi-final berth after washout against West Indies

After facing defeat by Australia on Saturday in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022, India captain Mithali Raj said her side needs to do well in every department as the next two matches are must-win for them.

Fighting knocks from Mithali Raj, Yastika Bhatia accompanied by Harmanpreet Kaur's late flourish helped India to reach the score of 277/7 in 50 overs.

"When you lose you always feel that you are 10-15 runs short. Maybe the way the Australians started, they were ahead and the fielders did not back the bowlers when it was needed. It was one of those days when the bowling unit didn't do well but they have been for the last four-five games," said Mithali Raj in the post-match presentation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-2022-can-india-still-qualify-for-semi-finals-after-six-wicket-defeat-against-australia-463762">Women's World Cup 2022: Can India still qualify for semi-finals after six-wicket defeat against Australia?</a>

"It has do with the girls playing in the leagues in Australia and with that comes a lot of exposure playing with the best players. Experience helps. The bowling did take a hit. The next two games becomes very important and we would look to do well in all departments," the 39-year-old continued.

Indian skipper Mithali Raj played a gritty inning of 68 while Yastika Bhatia scored 59 at Eden Park.

Harmanpreet Kaur's 57* and Pooja Vastrakar's 34 aided the Women in Blue to finish on high but their efforts went in vain as Australia chased down the target in the last over of the match. Now India will face Bangladesh and South Africa in their next must-win games.

"We got ourselves in that position but the next two games is a must-win for us. Thank all the people, the Indians who have come and supported us today. The experience she gets us over the years. Incredible achievement for a fast bowler to play over 200 games. It takes a lot of discipline, she is definitely a role model for many young girls back in India," she finished.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-world-cup-meg-lanning-alyssa-healy-shine-as-clinical-australia-beat-inconsistent-india-by-6-wickets-463738">Women's World Cup 2022: Lanning, Healy shine as clinical Australia beat inconsistent India by 6 wickets</a>

Australia's Beth Mooney joined Lanning on the crease and made sure their side don't lose their composure going into the death overs.

Chase became tricky when Lanning fell 3 runs short of her century in the penultimate over but Beth Mooney with ice in her veins called the game off for Australia in the last over thrilling six wickets win against India.

After facing defeat by Australia on Saturday in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022, India captain Mithali Raj said her side needs to do well in every department as the next two matches are must-win for them.

After facing defeat by Australia on Saturday in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022, India captain Mithali Raj said her side needs to do well in every department as the next two matches are must-win for them. Fighting knocks from Mithali Raj, Yastika Bhatia accompanied by Harmanpreet Kaur's late flourish helped India to reach the score of 277/7 in 50 overs. "When you lose you always feel that you are 10-15 runs short. Maybe the way the Australians started, they were ahead and the fielders did not back the bowlers when it was needed. It was one of those days when the bowling unit didn't do well but they have been for the last four-five games," said Mithali Raj in the post-match presentation. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup 2022: Can India still qualify for semi-finals after six-wicket defeat against Australia? "It has do with the girls playing in the leagues in Australia and with that comes a lot of exposure playing with the best players. Experience helps. The bowling did take a hit. The next two games becomes very important and we would look to do well in all departments," the 39-year-old continued. Indian skipper Mithali Raj played a gritty inning of 68 while Yastika Bhatia scored 59 at Eden Park. Harmanpreet Kaur's 57* and Pooja Vastrakar's 34 aided the Women in Blue to finish on high but their efforts went in vain as Australia chased down the target in the last over of the match. Now India will face Bangladesh and South Africa in their next must-win games. "We got ourselves in that position but the next two games is a must-win for us. Thank all the people, the Indians who have come and supported us today. The experience she gets us over the years. Incredible achievement for a fast bowler to play over 200 games. It takes a lot of discipline, she is definitely a role model for many young girls back in India," she finished. ALSO READ: Women's World Cup 2022: Lanning, Healy shine as clinical Australia beat inconsistent India by 6 wickets Australia's Beth Mooney joined Lanning on the crease and made sure their side don't lose their composure going into the death overs. Chase became tricky when Lanning fell 3 runs short of her century in the penultimate over but Beth Mooney with ice in her veins called the game off for Australia in the last over thrilling six wickets win against India.

Women's WC: Next two games must-win for us, will look to do well in all departments, says Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj-led India have their task cut out as they lock horns with one of the two unbeatable teams, i.e. Australia, in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup on Saturday (March 19). With two wins and an equal number of losses, India are in a tricky position as far as semi-finals qualifications are concerned. Thus, they cannot afford any further slip-up as it will further complicate their task of finishing in the top-four.

Talking about India's run so far, the two-time runners-up thrashed Pakistan in their opening game before losing to New Zealand by a convincing margin. They then returned back to winning ways with a big win over then-unbeaten side West Indies, in their third game, before going down to England, who was winless before the India face-off. Will India end another team's unbeaten run in the eight-team tournament? Without a doubt, Australia will be a totally different challenge as the Women in Yellow have four wins from as many encounters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-heres-how-mithali-rajs-india-can-make-it-to-cwc-2022-semi-finals-after-england-drubbing-462886">EXPLAINED! Here's how Mithali Raj's India can make it to CWC 2022 semi-finals after England drubbing</a>

Match prediction for India vs Australia CWC 2022 face-off:&nbsp;Meg Lanning-led Aussies have been on a roll. So far, they edged past England before demolishing the likes of Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies. Both teams have not played at the iconic Eden Park, Auckland, hence, that might test&nbsp;the two camps. Nonetheless, the Aussies are much more balanced,&nbsp;in a red-hot form to adapt and continue their winning run. For India, they need to click as the tournament is progressing towards the business end and the race for the semi-finals spot is heating up.&nbsp;

Given Australia and South Africa are very much likely to end as the top-two ranked sides, India are wary of the challenges&nbsp;with New Zealand, West Indies and England (who can still turn it around despite a solitary win from four games) battling it out for the remaining two slots.

At present, it seems Australia will continue their winning run unless India bring out their A-game.

Mithali Raj-led India have their task cut out as they lock horns with one of the two unbeatable teams, i.e. Australia, in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup on Saturday (March 19).

Mithali Raj-led India have their task cut out as they lock horns with one of the two unbeatable teams, i.e. Australia, in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup on Saturday (March 19). With two wins and an equal number of losses, India are in a tricky position as far as semi-finals qualifications are concerned. Thus, they cannot afford any further slip-up as it will further complicate their task of finishing in the top-four. Talking about India's run so far, the two-time runners-up thrashed Pakistan in their opening game before losing to New Zealand by a convincing margin. They then returned back to winning ways with a big win over then-unbeaten side West Indies, in their third game, before going down to England, who was winless before the India face-off. Will India end another team's unbeaten run in the eight-team tournament? Without a doubt, Australia will be a totally different challenge as the Women in Yellow have four wins from as many encounters. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED! Here's how Mithali Raj's India can make it to CWC 2022 semi-finals after England drubbing Match prediction for India vs Australia CWC 2022 face-off: Meg Lanning-led Aussies have been on a roll. So far, they edged past England before demolishing the likes of Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies. Both teams have not played at the iconic Eden Park, Auckland, hence, that might test the two camps. Nonetheless, the Aussies are much more balanced, in a red-hot form to adapt and continue their winning run. For India, they need to click as the tournament is progressing towards the business end and the race for the semi-finals spot is heating up. Given Australia and South Africa are very much likely to end as the top-two ranked sides, India are wary of the challenges with New Zealand, West Indies and England (who can still turn it around despite a solitary win from four games) battling it out for the remaining two slots. At present, it seems Australia will continue their winning run unless India bring out their A-game.

IND vs AUS prediction: Who will win WWC 2022 match between India and Australia?

Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail's fiery spell backed by Laura Wolvaardt's blistering knock helped South Africa to defeat New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup here at Seddon Park on Thursday.

Sophie Devine's innings of 93 went in vain as South Africa bowlers Ismail and Khaka scalped three wickets respectively that bowled out New Zealand on 228.

Chasing 229, South Africa had a quick start but opener Lizelle Lee was run out in the fifth over with 25 runs on the board.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-heres-how-mithali-rajs-india-can-make-it-to-cwc-2022-semi-finals-after-england-drubbing-462886">EXPLAINED! Here's how Mithali Raj's India can make it to CWC 2022 semi-finals after England drubbing</a>

Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits then steadied the ship for the second wicket.

They mixed caution with aggression perfectly to ensure that there was no further damage.

But later Brits was sent back to the pavilion by Amelia Kerr on 18 runs. At the halfway stage, South Africa were 105/2, needing 124 more runs for victory.

Skipper Sune Luus took her side to the 150-run mark with Wolvaardt. Laura Wolvaardt smashed a brilliant 50, her 3rd in a row.

Their partnership was broken in the 35th over by Amelia Kerr as Wolvaardt got dismissed after scoring 67 runs.

Mignon du Preez joined the skipper but she was sent back by Kerr after scoring one run.

Luus smashed a crucial fifty in 38th over. Luus departed soon after reaching her fifty as Hannah Rowe gave her side a big breakthrough in the 40th over.

Later, Marizanne Kapp ensured that there was no further damage. She kept on thrashing the New Zealand bowlers and brought her side home with two wickets and their fourth consecutive win in the ongoing tournament.

Earlier hosts failed to register a big score against a disciplined South African attack.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-wc-charlotte-dean-heather-knight-shine-as-england-beat-india-by-4-wickets-to-register-first-win-462785">Women's WC: Charlotte Dean, Heather Knight shine as England beat India by 4 wickets to register first win</a>

An excellent innings of 93 from Sophie Devine has helped New Zealand post a decent total in the match against South Africa.

Devine's 101-ball innings included 12 fours and one massive six, as her partnership with Amelia Kerr (42) and Maddy Green (30) formed the backbone of the New Zealand innings.

Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka did not allow the hosts to settle or accelerate their innings.

Brief score: New Zealand 228 all out (Sophie Devine 93, Amelia Kerr 42; Shabnim Ismail 3/27) South Africa 229/8 (Laura Wolvaardt 67, Sune Luus 51; Amelia Kerr 3/50).

Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail's fiery spell backed by Laura Wolvaardt's blistering knock helped South Africa to defeat New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup here at Seddon Park on Thursday.

Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail's fiery spell backed by Laura Wolvaardt's blistering knock helped South Africa to defeat New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup here at Seddon Park on Thursday. Sophie Devine's innings of 93 went in vain as South Africa bowlers Ismail and Khaka scalped three wickets respectively that bowled out New Zealand on 228. Chasing 229, South Africa had a quick start but opener Lizelle Lee was run out in the fifth over with 25 runs on the board. ALSO READ: EXPLAINED! Here's how Mithali Raj's India can make it to CWC 2022 semi-finals after England drubbing Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits then steadied the ship for the second wicket. They mixed caution with aggression perfectly to ensure that there was no further damage. But later Brits was sent back to the pavilion by Amelia Kerr on 18 runs. At the halfway stage, South Africa were 105/2, needing 124 more runs for victory. Skipper Sune Luus took her side to the 150-run mark with Wolvaardt. Laura Wolvaardt smashed a brilliant 50, her 3rd in a row. Their partnership was broken in the 35th over by Amelia Kerr as Wolvaardt got dismissed after scoring 67 runs. Mignon du Preez joined the skipper but she was sent back by Kerr after scoring one run. Luus smashed a crucial fifty in 38th over. Luus departed soon after reaching her fifty as Hannah Rowe gave her side a big breakthrough in the 40th over. Later, Marizanne Kapp ensured that there was no further damage. She kept on thrashing the New Zealand bowlers and brought her side home with two wickets and their fourth consecutive win in the ongoing tournament. Earlier hosts failed to register a big score against a disciplined South African attack. ALSO READ: Women's WC: Charlotte Dean, Heather Knight shine as England beat India by 4 wickets to register first win An excellent innings of 93 from Sophie Devine has helped New Zealand post a decent total in the match against South Africa. Devine's 101-ball innings included 12 fours and one massive six, as her partnership with Amelia Kerr (42) and Maddy Green (30) formed the backbone of the New Zealand innings. Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka did not allow the hosts to settle or accelerate their innings. Brief score: New Zealand 228 all out (Sophie Devine 93, Amelia Kerr 42; Shabnim Ismail 3/27) South Africa 229/8 (Laura Wolvaardt 67, Sune Luus 51; Amelia Kerr 3/50).

Women's WC: Shabnim Ismail, Laura Wolvaardt star as undefeated South Africa beat New Zealand by 2 wickets

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