Published: Jul 23, 2017, 05:02 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 23, 2017, 05:12 PM (IST)
The ICC Women’s World Cup final between India and England started with England Women opting to bat at Lord’s, but not before Eileen Ash nee Whelan rang the 5-minute bell. Although Tammy Beaumont and Laura Winfield could not get dominate Jhulan Goswami’s good length, Shikha Pandey’s fuller deliveries helped them get off the mark. Beaumont and Winfield then took the Indian bowlers for easy runs. Beaumont went on to become the leading run-scorer in this tournament with 400-plus runs. By the 8th over, England were comfortably sitting on 42 for no loss.
Its then when Mithali Raj decided to bring in the spinners. Rajeshwari Gayakwad triggered the collapse of England. Winfield had survived initially (the ball slid down leg; she had reviewed), but fell the second time when she was bowled leg-stump by Gayakwad. Then Beaumont tried to loft Poonam Yadav against the turn but was caught by Jhulan at deep mid-wicket. Beaumont became the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 410, going past Mithali Raj and Ellyse Perry. England were 60 for 2 at this stage.
The third wicket followed when skipper Heather Knight could not escape Poonam’s spin. Mithali’s reviewed, and replays showed Heather was struck in front. However, Sarah Taylor and Natalie Sciver have repaired the damage by adding over 50 between them and taking England to a comfortable position despite the dark clouds looming over.
