Best Indian Women Cricket Matches of All Time
Women’s cricket may have an over 50-year legacy in India, but it is in the past decade that the sport has truly captured the nation’s imagination. As media coverage of the women cricket match videos, and public interest boomed, Women in Blue have engineered some sensational performances on the global stage. From humbling heavyweight opponents to overcoming the odds, these thrilling contests represent Indian women’s cricket’s coming of age.
India and Australia played in the 2002 World Cup final.
This epic clash between tournament hosts New Zealand and hot favourites Australia captured India’s first taste of success at a World Cup. Batting first, India posted a modest total of 191/4. Australia seemed set to chase it down easily at 87/2. But tight bowling from Neetu David, Hemlatha Kala and Purnima Rau triggered a sensational Aussie collapse to be all out for 164. The historic 27-run win gave Indian women’s cricket its breakthrough moment.
2005 World Cup Final – India vs Australia
India had a golden chance to prove their previous World Cup win was no fluke by defending their crown in South Africa. In a nail-biting finish, Australia’s last pair needed 8 runs from the final over. But calm nerves from bowler Neetu David clinched a dramatic 4-run victory. This established India as a true world power in women’s cricket.
2014 World T20 – India vs Pakistan
This highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals was a close contest. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 102/7. In response, India’s star batters Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur weaved a cautious yet steady partnership under pressure to secure a tense one-wicket win off the last ball. Victory over Pakistan in a World Cup stage was especially sweet.
2017 World Cup Qualifier – India vs South Africa
After failing to make the cut for the World Cup proper, India had no room for error in the qualifiers. In a virtual knockout game, a disciplined bowling effort restricted South Africa to just 154. India was ahead on net run rate, meaning a chase of under 200 would seal progression. Opener Punam Raut’s calm 86 not out steered India home to a victorious 6-wicket win.
2018 T20 Asia Cup matchup between India and Bangladesh
Facing hosts Malaysia in the semifinal, India romped to 168/5 thanks to a quickfire 56 from young sensation Jemimah Rodrigues. In response, Bangladesh fell short by 11 runs. This set up a mouthwatering final clash between India and Bangladesh.
The 2018 T20 Asia Cup final will feature India vs Bangladesh
The final proved a nail-biter yet again between the subcontinental rivals. Bangladesh managed 112 batting first. In reply, India slipped to 97/7 as Bangladesh smelled an upset. But Veda Krishnamurthy smashed a courageous 20* off just 11 balls to sneak home a 3-wicket win off the very last delivery.
2021 Test Match – India vs Australia
In their first-ever women’s day-night Test, India braved tough conditions Down Under against the mighty Australians. A remarkable knock of 98 by debutant Shafali Verma helped India set a decent target of 272. Despite a gritty partnership between Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner, India held their nerve to secure a memorable draw.
2022 Commonwealth Games – India vs Australia
At cricket’s return to the Commonwealth Games after 24 years, India faced Australia in the opener. Batting first, India powered to 154/8 thanks to attacking half-centuries from Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur. In response, Australia collapsed from the pressure of the chase to be bowled out for just 122, giving India a massive 32-run win.
South Africa vs. India in the 2022 T20I Tri-Series final
During the tri-series in East London also featuring West Indies, India remained unbeaten throughout. In the final against South Africa, the Women in Blue posted 165/5 on the back of Harmanpreet Kaur’s scintillating 43-ball 57. Tight bowling restricted the hosts to just 159/4 to complete a series sweep for India.
The matches above demonstrate how the Indian women’s team has evolved from underdogs to giant killers, now capable of beating the best teams on the biggest stages. With rising talents supplementing experienced stars, expect India to keep producing many more breathtaking contests as women’s cricket enters a new era.
India vs. Australia: 2020 Women’s T20
With over 80,000 fans in attendance, India reached their maiden T20 World Cup final in front of a record crowd at the MCG. But up against the mighty Aussies, India froze under pressure, bowled out for just 99. However, the magnitude of the stage and electric atmosphere made this still one of Indian women’s cricket’s most unforgettable matches.
2021 Test Match – India vs England
In their first Test match since 2014, India pulled off an improbable draw after following on against England’s strong bowling attack. Fittingly, veterans Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur stood tall to defy the Brits for over 50 overs, batting out the entire final day to valiantly force a draw from the jaws of defeat.
2022 ODI Series – India vs England
A historic bilateral ODI series went right down to the wire. After trailing 2-0, India came back to level it 2-2. In the thrilling decider, England managed just 219. Charlie Dean’s 4/23 then had India struggling at 199/7. But Captain Harmanpreet Kaur held her nerve with an unbeaten 143 to remarkably guide India home for a 3-wicket win and clinch the series.
Conclusion
From landmark World Cup triumphs to inflicting upsets over the game’s superpowers, Indian women have produced several inspiring performances that will be forever etched in cricket folklore. With women’s cricket gaining more eyeballs worldwide, these gripping contests from the past two decades have turned unknown Indian stars into household names. As the emerging heavyweight of Indian women’s cricket match today highlights, expect Indian women to provide many more classic clashes in the years ahead.
As a result, when the Indian women’s cricket team continues to excel internationally, fans will be inspired by their inspiring tales, kindling a passion for the sport that knows no limits.
