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Cricket has long been a sport dominated by men, but women’s cricket has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity and competitiveness over the last few decades. Each of the last two World Cups has seen incredible growth in terms of supporters through the gates, while the ever-improving nature of the planet’s finest teams has only added to the competitiveness. The women’s game is now covered regularly on Sky Sports in the UK, with broadcasters in Australia and India both following suit.
At present, plenty of attention is on the male side of things, primarily because the T20 World Cup is right around the corner. The upcoming tournament is an important one as it marks the ICC’s latest attempt to break into America, with half of the group-stage matches taking place in the Land of the Free. Newly minted stadiums in New York, Florida, and Texas – with pitches being shipped to them from Adelaide – will contest the action, before the finals head to the Caribbean. Online cricket betting sites have made India the +250 favorites for glory, with Australia and England just behind them in the odds list.
But while those three are frontrunners in the male game, who are the stars of the show in the female world? Let’s find out.
Australia
Australia the gold standard in women’s cricket. The Southern Stars’ dominance is evident by their position at the summit of both the One Day internationals and T20 rankings, a standing they have held for quite some time. Their success has been built on the back of a combination of extraordinary talent, strategic acumen, and a robust domestic structure that ensures that the national team is of paramount importance. Key players like superstar all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who is arguably one of the best in the world with either the bat or the ball, never mind both, everything the Aussies are all about.
Add to that aggressive batsman Meg Lanning, and it’s clear to see why Australia are where they are today. Additionally, Alyssa Healy continues to redefine the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman route to victory right out of the time she takes to the pitch.
Australia’s record is unparalleled, not only in individual victories but also in the sheer amount of silverware that has been taken back to the Crcket Australia headquarters in Melbourne. They have won the World Cup an unprecedented seven times, and they are the current reigning champions, handing rivals England a crushing 71-run defeat in the most recent showpiece in New Zealand in 2022. They have also won six of the eight T20 World Cups to have ever been contested, including the last three on the bounce.
England
Australia’s closest rival in recent years has come in the form of England. They have managed to end their adversaries from the Land Down Under’s stranglehold on the World Cup, winning two of the last four. They romped to glory in the first-ever women’s tournament back in 1973 but would have to wait 20 years before their next triumph. Their third and perhaps finest triumph came in 2009 as they reigned supreme on the home turf of their enemies, before claiming the crown again in 2017, this time on home turf at Lord’s.
In the T20 world, however, things are much different. England won the inaugural tournament in 2009, but they haven’t tested success since.
The team is recognized for its blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, ensuring a steady supply of match-winners. Captain Heather Knight, a reliable middle-order batsman, has been pivotal in her country’s successes. She is supported by the likes of all-rounder supremo Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Sophie Ecclestone, who is one of the finest bowlers in the women’s game.
India
With the backing of a cricket-crazy nation, India’s cricketers have inspired millions and raised the profile of the sport in the country. Legendary batswoman and former captain Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur, renowned for her aggressive batting and leadership, has also been instrumental in many of the Women in Blue’s memorable victories. Smriti Mandhana, a stylish left-handed opener, consistently brings flair and key performances to the team.
India’s journey to the finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017 marked a turning point for women’s cricket in the country. Before that, emphasis was solely on the likes of Virat Kohli and the IPL, but coming within a whisker of their maiden world gong put them in the spotlight. Their spirited campaigns in the subsequent T20 World Cup – reaching the final once again in 2020, albeit in a losing effort – have further established them as strong contenders on the global stage. They are a distant third behind the Ausses and English, but third nonetheless.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.