Will Come Back Stronger: Women Cricketers On T20 Final Defeat

The Indian women’s cricket team came close to destroying defending champion Australia but lost the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Our cricketers created history by making it to the final but Australia beat India by 85 runs. Recently, India opener Smriti Mandhana apologised to fans for the loss saying, “I would like to thank all those who filled the MCG on the 8th of March and the billions who supported us throughout. Really sorry that the results didn’t go in our favor but I’m overwhelmed by the support that we’ve been receiving and that kind of support is what keeps us going.”

Taking to her Instagram account, Mandhana thanked fans for showering love. She expressed gratitude that fans turned up in huge numbers and supported the team.

View this post on Instagram

I would like to thank all those who filled the MCG on the of 8th March and the billions who supported us throughout. Really sorry that the results didn't go in our favour but I'm overwhelmed by the support that we've been receiving and that kind of support is what keeps us going. I also wanted to take a moment to appreciate the efforts and the hardwork the entire team and support staff have put in throughout this world cup. Really proud of this young team and I promise you all on behalf of my team that we will definitely work harder and come back stronger. Jai Hind 🇮🇳

A post shared by Smriti Mandhana (@smriti_mandhana) on Mar 11, 2020 at 2:15am PDT

Key Takeaways:

• After the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where Australia beat India by 85 runs, Smriti Mandhana requested critics to leave the team alone.
• Harmanpreet Kaur backed India women after creating history by making it to the final of World Cup Final.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn't yet announced any cash rewards for Harmanpreet Kaur-led team.

She further added, “I also wanted to take a moment to appreciate the efforts and the hard work the entire team and support staff have put in throughout this World Cup. Really proud of this young team and I promise you all on behalf of my team that we will definitely work harder and come back stronger."

Following that 19-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues too shared an unseen video of the Indian dressing room cheering along with the 86,174 fans at the MCG. The batswoman shared a heartfelt message for  cricket fans and wrote, “So many things to take back from this tournament, but one thing I’ll cherish is that every time we went out on the field, we knew that we weren’t alone, but backed by the strength of India with us. The result didn’t pan out as we intended it to, but we learn from defeat & I promise we’ll get back stronger to make our nation proud.”

defeat & I promise we'll get back stronger to make our nation proud

And lastly, a BIG thank you to the 86,174 who came for the Finals. Even though We didn't win that night, Women's Cricket definitely won

Here's a lil video of the dressing room cheering along with you guys 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/1vDml2rK4x

— Jemimah Rodrigues (@JemiRodrigues) March 12, 2020

No cash rewards yet

According to sources from CricTracker, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn't yet announced any cash rewards for Harmanpreet Kaur-led team. Back in 2017, when the team had returned from Women's World Cup final against England at the Lord's in London, a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh for each member of the Indian team announced. The cricket board also announced a cash award of Rs 25 lakh each for the support staff of then the Mithali Raj-led side.

It's really strange that no one hasn't announced any rewards for the Women's team for qualifying into the finals for the first time in T20 WC.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2020

Shafali Verma, the youngster from Haryana who scored a terrific run in the tournament, hasn't received any honours by the state government.

Also Read: Shafali Verma: India’s Youngest Shining Star Of Cricket

It was the Indian women’s second loss in a  final World Cup match across formats. In 2017, they lost to hosts England in the title clash of the 50-over World Cup by just nine runs.

Feature Image Credit: ICC

Read More Stories By Ria Das