The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the full schedule and fixture of the Indian Women's Cricket team for the home season 2023-24. Indian Women's Cricket team will England and Australia during their home season. Interestingly, the whole home season will be played in Mumbai.
India will first host England for three T20Is. All of those matches will be played in Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, under the lights. Post that, India Women's Cricket team will play a Women's Test match against England from December 14th to 17th at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Post the England series, the Indian Women's Cricket team will host the mighty Aussies. The Australia series will kick off with a four-day test from 21st Decemeber to 24th December, scheduled to be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Then it will be followed by three WODIs and three WT20Is. The ODI games will be played in Wankhede Stadium whereas the T20Is will be played at DY Patil Stadium.
Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more
In a Women's Cricket exclusive, Bengal senior team players Dhara Gujjar, Mita Paul, Priyanka Bala, Tanusree Sarkar and Sasthi Mondal shared their thoughts with Sportz Point after playing two finals in the domestic season.
(L-R) Sasthi Mondal, Priyanka Bala, Tanusree Sarkar, Dhara Gujjar and Mita Paul. Image | CAB
Bengal Women's Senior Cricket team played two out of two finals of domestic cricket this season. Though they were not able to win any of them, they showed why they are India's one of the best.
In the BCCI Senior Women's One-Day trophy final, Madhya Pradesh defeated them. Meantime, in the T20 final, Mumbai outclassed them. Apart from those two games, they looked like the best team in the country.
After the completion of the One-Day tournament, Sportz Point was lucky to have a conversation with five of the stars of this team. Openers Sasthi Mondal and Dhara Gujjar along with all-rounders Mita Paul and Tanusree Sarkar, plus wiicket-keeper Priyanka Bala shared their thoughts before going for the Challengers Trophy.
Lots of runs and a fearless approach
Bengal Senior Women's Cricket team after reaching SWODI final. Image | CAB
Despite having a good team over the years, this was only the second time the Bengal Senior Women's team reached the final in One-Day tournament. But, the 2019 champions had to create some of their own records to reach the final after five years.
In the quarter-finals, they defeated Shafali Verma's Haryana by chasing a record 390. With that, they also became the team with highest successful chase in Women's List-A cricket. In the semis, they again chased down 301 to beat the defending champions, Railways.
History! 😲🔥
Bengal women's team creates history by chasing down Haryana's 390 in 49.1 overs in the quarter-finals of the BCCI Senior Women's One-Day Tournament. pic.twitter.com/SnMFkKPlGt
These run chases and high scores are a bit alien in Women's Cricket; especially in India. But, Bengal girls feel, that Women's cricket is improving at a rapid speed and this is just the start.
(L-R) Mita Paul and Dhara Gujjar after helping Bengal chase 301 against Railways. Image | CAB
Dhara Gujjar, who scored a stunning 123 in the semis against Railways feels, there is a change in the mindset of the players now. "As we have seen it in the knockout stages, honestly, I feel there is a change in the mindset of the players where they want to go and express themselves and play fearlessly," Dhara told Sportz Point.
Her opening partner, Sasthi Mondal echoed the same thoughts. Sasthi, who featured for India U-19sintherecentpast, made her senior debut this season. "Obviously, there is a change in the mindset of the players. But, for me, this is my style of batting and I love this kind of game," the 19-year-old all-rounder expressed.
However, senior players like Mita Paul and Priyanka Bala feel there is another thing which is attributed to high-scoring games. Along with the fearless mindset, the pitches are also responsible for the amount of runs we have seen this season. As per Mita, the pitches this season have been mostly great for batting. That allowed them to go for the shots and attack throughout the inning.
Priyanka Bala, who scored the invaluable unbeaten 88 in that chase against Haryana feels the same as well. "Pitches were definitely better. Earlier the runs used to be around the 120-run mark. Now, you can see 200s in T20s and 300s in ODIs. So, it is great to see such facilities given to us now," the wicket-keeper batter shared.
Not only that, Bala feels if BCCI can provide pitches like this, we are not far away from having 400s being scored in Women's One Day games.
Tanusree Sarkar, who laid the foundation for other batters with a 113 in that match can sense that there would be more records like this in future. "If you can get flat pitches like this, I feel anything can be chased down," Sarkar revealed.
But, even if you have the best conditions and circumstances, chasing down huge totals and doing that in back-to-back games, ain't a Bollywood movie script. For that, you need proper preparation and planning.
That record chase against Haryana
(L-R) Bengal Women's Cricketers Sasthi Mondal, Priyanka Bala, Tanusree Sarkar and Dhara Gujjar. Image | CAB
In both those games, each batter had their own plans and had their different roles too. For a young gun like Sasthi Mondal, there is only one way to play; smash the ball. She did that. "I am dominant from childhood. I like attacking the bowlers. I just did that. I did not go to bat thinking about the score," she said.
For Dhara, there were some initial doubts and she did not have any plan. She tried to take each over at a time and stay positive. "Honestly, there wasn’t any plan. And looking at the score, I didn’t believe that we would be able to get there. I just thought that I’m gonna go and play my shots and just take one over at a time," Dhara said while explaining her 69 runs at the top of the order against Haryana.
Tanusree meantime always had the belief that they could clinch the win. "I had the thought that we can win the match if we can stay positive. Once we had the momentum, we just wanted to keep the flow going."
Priyanka Bala and Mita Paul, who batted in the middle order during those chases in One-Day knockouts, had the same feelings. "Everyone had their role, described by the team management and the pitch allowed us to play shorts," Mita shared.
Bala, who averaged 69.33 with the bat in the tournament, always felt they were in the game in both games. "When Shafali (Verma) was hitting us like that, we did not panic. We knew we would have our chance. I think, being relaxedis what helped us a lot," she expressed.
Though the batters had one of their best times in the One-Day tournament, it was the bowlers who performed in crunch moments in the T20 format.
In the quarter-final against Madhya Pradesh, Bengal bowlers restricted the opponents to 116. Then followed it up by defending only 134 against a strong Himachal Pradesh in the semis. Captain Saika Ishaque with 13 wickets and Mita Paul with 8 wickets in the tournament, were always in the scheme of things. India pacer Titas Sadhu also did well whenever she was released for national duties.
Debutants, Young Guns and Jhulan Goswami
Bengal team mentor Jhulan Goswami with Richa Ghosh during a training session | Image - CAB Media
Throughout the season, along with the seniors, it was the combination of youth and experience that helped Bengal triumph. Prativa Mandi, Sasthi Mondal,Hrishita Basu, and Monika Mal were among the debutants in the season.
"The youngsters did really well. I feelbowlers like Chandrima (16-year-old left-arm pacer), Prativa Mandi (17-year-old right-arm pacer) and others knew their roles. This helped us a lot," Mita Paul told Sportz Point.
"We had lots of debuts this season. But, honestly speaking, they all were ready," Priyanka Bala expressed while talking about the youngsters of the team.
"This time there were youngsters in our team and they jelled up quite well with the team. I tried communicating with them and helping them out if needed," Dhara Gujjar added.
But why was it so easy for 16 and 17-year-old teenagers to perform at that level? Jhulan Goswami is the answer. Bengal team management has been lucky to have the services of the most successful bowler in Women's Cricket history.
Sasthi Mondal, who had the luck of training under Jhulan from a very young age shared, "The best thing about Jhulan ma'am is that she makes you feel confident. She lets me be myself. But, she also knows when to push me to get the best out of myself."
Tanusree Sarkar, after her player of the match performance against Haryana in SWODI. Image | CAB
However, along with the youngsters, there was someone who was starting from scratch for the Bengal team. Tanusree Sarkar, who previously had led the Bengal U-19 team, had joined Railways before taking an N.O.C to rejoin her home state this year. Priyanka Bala did the same as well a few years back.
"You can say that it was a homecoming for me. From Bengal U-19 to Railways and then to Bengal; but, I never think of these things that much. I try to stay in present," Tanusree expressed.
"As an all-rounder, I always look to find ways to contribute to the team. I always try to take things as they come; even in batting, bowling and fielding."
WPL and its impact
Saika Ishaque's WPL performance helped her win the India cap. Image | BCCI
With all of these wins and defeats, each and every women cricketer in India now has one thing in the corner of their eyes. It is the Women's Premier League. All these five cricketers agreed on the fact that WPL has changed the dynamics of Women's Cricket in India.
Be it playing more shots, being quicker and more agile across the turf or having more tricks up their sleeves as a bowler, WPL now has given everyone a reason to be better. "I feel, WPL has changed the approach of players, and also the mindset of the players has changed," Dhara commented.
Sasthi Mondal, Priyanka Bala and Mita did not even hesitate to agree with Dhara's thoughts. As per Mita, WPL is now like a bridge to play for India. If one can reach WPL and do well, they now have great chances of making it to the Indian team as well.
But, unfortunately, no Bengal players were able to attract bids in the WPL 2025 auction. Only Priyanka Bala and Sushmita Ganguly were listed in the final player's list in the auction, but could not find any bidder.
However, these things do not demotivate Bengal players. Rather, it gives them the push to be better. "I think, we all believe in performance. It is the last thing. If I am not getting picked that means there are lots of players like me. So, I need to keep getting better than them and focus on my game," Mita Paul stated.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play New Zealand first, followed by Pakistan
As per the newly released ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 schedule, India will start their campaign against New Zealand on 4th October, followed by Pakistan on 6th October.
The Indian Women's Cricket Team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6 as per the new and updated Women's T20 World Cup fixture released by ICC on Monday. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which is all set to begin on October 3, was scheduled to be held in Bangladesh but was moved due to security reasons. Post that, ICC decided to shift the tournament to UAE with BCB still being the hosts of the marquee tournament.
The groups are still the same. Defending champion Australia are in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Group B consists of South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Scotland. Each side will play four group matches, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
The two semis will be played on October 17 and 18 and the final in Dubai on October 20. There is also a reserve day for both the semi-finals and the final.
If India advances from the group stage, they will feature in the first semi-final. 10 warm-up matches will be played from September 28 to October 1.
Team India will play their tournament opener against New Zealand on 4th October in Dubai followed by the much-awaited match against arch-rival Pakistan on 6th October at the same venue.
The Indian Women's team will then play against the defending champions Australia on 13th October in Sharjah.
BCCI rejects ICC's offer to host Women's T20 World Cup
After India's withdrawal, Sri Lanka and UAE are the only other options left. Recently Sri Lanka hosted the Women's Asia Cup. This tournament was considered part of the preparation for the Women's T20 World Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected the proposal given by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the Women's T20 World Cup. The ICC is said to take a final call on August 20. The Women's T20 World Cup is to be played in Bangladesh from 3rd to 20th October.
"They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We're in the monsoon, and on top of that, we will host the Women's ODI World Cup next year. I don't want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.” ," Jay Shah said.
Bangladesh is currently facing violence and security challenges due to the anti-government student movement. This is the reason why ICC is considering hosting someone else instead of Bangladesh. Hundreds of people have died in the ongoing violence in Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also had to leave the country.
In such a situation, India was offered hosting. Now after India's withdrawal, Sri Lanka and UAE are the only other options left. Recently Sri Lanka hosted the Women's Asia Cup. This tournament was considered part of the preparation for the Women's T20 World Cup.
'Our priority is the safety'
ICC is concerned about the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. An ICC official had said, "The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants."
Bangladesh is trying to save the tournament
The new interim government in Bangladesh is finally trying to save the tournament. One of the biggest hurdles for the BCB is the travel advisory issued by the government of many participating teams, including England, Australia, and India.
Apart from security, there is also an issue that Bangladesh Cricket Board President and former Sports Minister Nazmul Hassan has been missing since August 5, after the fall of the government. Many board directors, who have political connections, are also not in touch.
Bangladesh Team is now in Pakistan for two Tests before flying to India for two Tests and three T20Is, starting September 19 in Chennai. Commenting on Team India's preparation for the first series of the home season, Shah said this series remains crucial for the Indian Team.
"We've not spoken to them (the Bangladesh authorities). A new government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us." Shah said.
Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top
Here is the list of Indian Women's cricketers who have scored the most T20I runs. Left-handed Indian opener Smriti Mandhana is at the top of this list.
The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup has already started, and India Women have booked their spot in the final. Throughout the year, several women cricketers in India have performed brilliantly in the T20 internationals. Four batters from India have scored more than 2000 runs while two of them have scored more than 3000 runs in their career in women’s T20Is so far. So, let's look at the list of Indian Women's cricketers who have scored the most T20I runs.
Smriti Mandhana has been one of the best batters for India Women in recent times. She is the all-time highest run-scorer in India in women’s T20I. She has scored 3433 runs from 134 T20I innings for India Women with 25 half-centuries and a highest score of 87. She made her debut in 2013 and is now only the second Indian Women cricketer who has scored more than 3000 runs.
2. Harmanpreet Kaur - 3415 runs
The second-highest run-scorer for India Women in T20Is is the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. She is the only Indian women’s cricketer to score a century in the T20I format. With 3415 runs from 152 games, Kaur has scored a hundred and 12 half-centuries. Her only century in the format came in the T20 World Cup 2018. She scored 103 off 51 balls against New Zealand in the 2018 T20 World Cup opener at Guyana.
3. Mithali Raj - 2364 runs
Former Indian skipper Mithali Raj is the third-highest run-getter for India in women’s T20Is. She was one of India's best players across formats. Mithali scored 2364 runs with a highest score of 97* from 89 T20I matches for India with 17 half-centuries before announcing her retirement in 2019. Her average of 37.52 is the highest on this list among the top five batters.
4. Jemimah Rodrigues - 2045 runs
Jemimah Rodrigues has been one of the best players in the Indian middle order over the years. She can switch her gears anytime during the middle overs and that's the reason she is a key member in the Indian squad right now. Rodrigues has scored 2045 runs in 99 T20Is for India with 11 half-centuries.
5. Shafali Verma - 1932 runs
The 20-year-old Shafali Verma has already become one of the most important members of the Indian squad. She is the fifth-highest run-scorer for India in women’s T20Is at the age of 20. The right-hander has scored 1932 runs from 80 matches with a highest score of 81 for India Women in T20Is with ten half-centuries. Shafali is the second-highest runs scorer in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 and the highest among the Indian batters with 184 runs at an average of 61.33.
INDvsPAK Women's Asia Cup 2024: Where to watch, head-to-head stats and Fantasy team prediction
From the Streaming Platform info to the Fantasy Team Prediction, here is everything you need to know about the INDvsPAK Women's Cricket Team's clash in the Women's Asia Cup 2024.
The Women's Cricket Teams of India and Pakistan will lock horns in the second T20I game of the Women's Asia Cup 2024 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. India have been dominated the INDvsPAK clashes in the shortest format of the game so they are the favourites ahead of the game.
India have a brilliant record in the tournament’s history, having won three out of four editions of the T20 competition. The Women in Blue are coming off a 1-1 draw against South Africa while Pakistan's last outing was in England in May when the host thrashed them 3-0. It is not going to be easy for Pakistan on Friday as they are very low on confidence.
Where to watch the INDvsPAK Women's Asia Cup 2024 match
The INDvsPAK match in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 will begin at 7 pm IST on Friday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka. It will be LIVE telecast in India on the Star Sports Network and will be LIVE streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app.
INDvsPAK: Head-to-Head stats
India and Pakistan have faced a total of 14 times in the shortest format of the game. The Indian Women's Cricket Team have been the dominant side, winning 11 of those matches while Pakistan have won only three games.
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