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Who is Dunith Wellalage, the new Sri Lankan spin-bowling sensation

Dunith Wellalage took the first five-for of his ODI career against India in the Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo.

Sep 12, 2023, 1:15 PM3 min read

Who is Dunith Wellalage, the new Sri Lankan spin-bowling sensation

Dunith Wellalage, who outfoxed Indian batters like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya during the Super-four game in the Aisa Cup 2023 is the new spin bowling sensation from Pearl of the Orient. The left-arm spinner became the first spinner to take all of the first four wickets against India in an ODI match. On his 13th ODI game, the 20-year-old spinner announced himself as one of the great young spinners to watch out for. He finished with a bowling figure of 40/5 in his full quota of 10 overs at the R.Premadasa Stadium.

Who is Dinuth Wellalage, the new Sri Lankan spin-bowling sensation | Sportz Point
Wellalage cleaned up Rohit Sharma's stumps in the Asia Cup Super Four match against India in Colombo.

Born on January 09, 2003, in Colombo, Dunith Wellalage debuted for Sri Lanka in the ODI format on 14 June 2022 against Australia at Pallekele. And, he then, went on to make his test debut on 24 July 2022 against the same opponent at the same venue. Although, he had wait to till his 13th ODI to announce himself on the biggest stage of cricket.

Dunith Wellalage receiving his Test cap from Angelo Mathews | Sportz Point
Dunith Wellalage receiving his Test cap from Angelo Mathews. Image: ESPNCricinfo

Dunith Wellalage was the Highest wicket-taker of ICC U19 World Cup 2022

However, to track Dunith Wellalage's career, we have to go back to the 2022 ICC U1-9 Cricket World Cup. The Sri Lankan left-arm spinner made his name at the U-19 World Cup picking up 17 wickets in 6 innings at just a 13.58 bowling average. He outfoxed everyone with his variations to become the highest wicket-taker of the ICC U-19 World Cup in West Indies. Although he could not take Sri Lanka into the semi-final of the tournament as the captain, Dunith Wellalage was the one who made a name for himself in that tournament

Read Also: Player of the tournament in every ICC U19 World Cup

Dunith Wellalage outfoxed Aussie batters grabbing 9 wickets in his first ODI series

Who is Dinuth Wellalage, the new Sri Lankan spin-bowling sensation | Sportz Point
Wellalage after getting Mitchell Marsh out during his first series against Australia. Image: AFP.

After impressing everyone at the ICC U-19 World Cup, Dunith was called in for the home series against Sri Lanka where he made a smooth transition against Australia. Wellalage took 9 wickets in the five-match ODI series against Australia grabbing wickets of players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Although he went wicketless during Sri Lanka's tour to India at the start of 2023, Sri Lanka kept faith in him.

Dunith Wellalage started the Asia Cup 2023 on a great note with four wickets in three games before getting his first five-for against India at the R.Premadasa Stadium. Till now in his 13 ODI games, Wellalage has taken 18 wickets at a bowling average of 24.16. Along with that, he is also a handy batter. He averages 20.71 with the bat for Sri Lanka in ODIs. He remained not out on 31 from 21 balls while Charith Asalanka's 83 from 72 balls helped Sri Lanka win in a record chase of 314 runs against Afghanistan in 2022.

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Most Test wickets in 2024: Bumrah, Atkinson, Bashir and more

From Jasprit Bumrah of India to England's Gus Atkinson, here are the cricketers who have picked up the most wickets in Test cricket in 2024.

Dec 31, 2024, 1:19 PM5 min read

Most Test wickets in 2024: Bumrah, Atkinson, Bashir and more
(Image Credit | Crictoday)

A year full of cricketing drama and engaging encounters has almost come to an end. 2024 turned out to be a fascinating year for the enjoyers of cricket's longest format. From veteran cricketers to breakout stars, this year gifted us some enriching performances to be recalled for a long.

Along with some supreme performers with the bat, we have also witnessed countless magnificent performances with the red ball across the year.  

In this special article, Sportz Point aims to cultivate those cricketers who have bagged the most Test wickets in 2024. 

1. Jasprit Bumrah | 71 wickets 

Jasprit Bumrah vs....! ICC Test Cricketer of the Year 2024 contenders  announced
(Image credit | Cricket Addictor)

Jasprit Bumrah ensured his dominance in the bowling charts across every format of the game this year. The Indian pacer tops the list with a career-best annual tally of 71 wickets in just 13 Tests in 2024. 

Bumrah’s 71 wickets is now the fifth most by an Indian bowler in a calendar year, a list led by Kapil Dev, who picked 75 wickets in 18 matches in 1983.

The 31-year-old bowler recorded his best spell of the year in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam as he picked up 6 wickets for just 45 runs in 15.5 overs. 

2. Gus Atkinson | 52 wickets

Nice To Have Found My Rhythm": England's Gus Atkinson On Hat-Trick Against  New Zealand | Cricket News
(Image Credit | NDTV Sports)

Gus Atkinson emerged as one of the fiercest faces of the English bowling attack in Tests. The 26-year-old all-rounder collected 52 wickets in only 11 Tests across the year.

Surprisingly, Atkinson made his Test debut with England only in July but made the start memorable in the best possible way. Atkinson bagged a seven-wicket haul in his first outing for England in the first Test against West Indies at Lords.

Atkinson also became the first pacer since 1996 to pick up ten wickets on a Test debut

3. Shoaib Bashir | 49 wickets 

Shoaib Bashir spins into Indian orbit | Crickit
(Image credit | Hindustan Times)

The 21-year-old spinner is another surprising breakout star in Tests this year. Making his debut against India in February, Shoaib Bashir bagged an impressive 49 wickets in 15 Tests throughout the year.

Bashir broke a unique record set by the likes of James Anderson and Bill Voce, becoming the first English bowler to grab two fifers in a Test at the age of 21 during the fifth and final Test against India in March.

The off-spinner recorded his career-best figure in Tests after picking up 5 wickets for 41 runs in the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge. 

4. Matt Henry | 48 wickets 

NZ vs Aus 2nd Test - Matt Henry, New Zealand's man of steel, drags his team  back into the contest | ESPNcricinfo
(Image Credit | ESPNCricinfo)

Matt Henry breaks into the list with 48 wickets in only 9 Tests across the year to establish himself as the most dependable bowler for New Zealand in red-ball cricket.

The Kiwi veteran clinched an unbelievable fifer in the first Test against India with a 5-15 figure, maintaining an economy rate of only 1.10!

The 33-year-old pacer also picked up 7 wickets during the second Test against Australia at Christchurch, making the record of the best bowling figures (23-4-67-7) by a Kiwi speedster at home.

5. Ravindra Jadeja | 48 wickets 

IND vs BAN: Ravindra Jadeja picks 300th Test wicket, joins elusive list |  News - Business Standard
(Image Credit | Business Standard)

Ravindra Jadeja may have had a shaky year with the Indian team struggling in Tests, but the veteran bagged 48 wickets in 12 matches across the year. 

The 36-year-old spinning all-rounder completed the 300-wicket mark in Tests during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. He became the seventh Indian cricketer to claim 300 wickets in Test cricket, as well as the fourth-fastest (73 matches) to reach 300 wickets, following R. Ashwin (54 matches), Anil Kumble (66), and Harbhajan Singh (72).

Jadeja also became the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 312 wickets during the third Test against New Zealand in November, surpassing greats such as Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma.

6. Prabath Jayasuriya | 48 wickets 

Prabath Jayasuriya's Test start has been phenomenal, but can he find  overseas success?
(Image Credit | Wisden Cricket)

Prabath Jayasuriya has etched his name as one of the most surprising bowlers this year. The Sri Lankan cricketer accumulated 48 wickets in 9 matches throughout the year,

Marking his Test debut in 2022, the 33-year-old spinner achieved the 100-wicket mark in just 17 matches to become the second-quickest player to take 100 Test wickets, a list led by England's George Lohmann who did so in 16 matches in 1886.

Prabath Jayasuriya also became the 10th left-arm spinner in the world to take 10 or more five-wicket hauls in Test cricket after picking 5 for 129 during Sri Lanka's second Test against South Africa in December. 

7. Ravichandran Ashwin | 47 wickets 

Ravichandran Ashwin completes 150 wickets in WTC, becomes third bowler to  reach landmark - Crictoday
(Image credit | Crictoday)

Ravichandran Ashwin finished the year with 47 wickets in 11 matches before announcing his retirement from international cricket in December during India's tour of Australia.

The veteran Indian spinner recorded his best bowling figure this year during the first Test against Bangladesh in September. Ashwin grabbed six wickets for 88 wickets in the second innings.

The 38-year-old called time on his international career but left the ring on a high, being India's second-highest wicket-taker in test cricket.

8. Pat Cummins | 37 wickets 

Pat Cummins hopes to keep Indian batters 'quiet' in BGT 2024, says 'our job  is obviously to try…' | Mint
(Image Credit | Mint)

The Australian captain picked up 37 wickets in 9 matches this year, helping Australia to edge closer to the World Test Championship Final.

However, Pat Cummins equalled Ravi Ahswin's record for most wickets (195) in the World Test Championship during the Boxing Day Test victory against India. The 31-year-old Australian pacer has achieved the mark in 86 innings as Ashwin leads the list with fewer games. (78). 

Cummins recorded his best bowling figure in Tests for 2024, during the second Test against India, completing a five-wicket-haul for 57 runs in 14 overs.

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Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

From Joe Root to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sportz Point explores the cricketers who have scored the most runs in Test cricket in 2024.

Dec 30, 2024, 1:41 PM7 min read

Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | News18)

A year full of cricketing drama and engaging encounters has almost come to an end. 2024 turned out to be a fascinating year for the enjoyers of cricket's longest format. From veteran cricketers to breakout stars, this year gifted us some enriching performances to be recalled for a long.

In this special article, Sportz Point aims to cultivate those cricketers who have amassed the most Test runs in 2024. 

1. Joe Root | 1556 runs

Joe Root hot in pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar after incredible four years |  ESPNcricinfo
(Image Credit \ ESPNCricinfo)

Joe Root recorded his second-best annual run tally in Tests, scoring 1556 runs in 17 matches in 2024. This is also the fifth time the England top-order batter has scored over a thousand Test runs in a calendar year; only one short of the great Sachin Tendulkar who has six.

The former England captain performed consistently for England throughout 2024; having registered six Test centuries and five half-centuries this year. His career-best score of 262 in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan helped him break the record of Alastair Cook, who previously held the record for most Test runs by an English cricketer. 

Root also tops the list of active batters with the most Test tons with 36 centuries by his name. His impressive performances throughout 2024 also placed him with Rahul Dravid for the joint-fifth-highest tons in Test cricket's history. 

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1478 runs

1st Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal leads India's reply after spinners' show on Day  1 against England | Cricket News - Times of India
(Image Credit | Times of India)

Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as one of the most discussed breakout stars of Indian cricket in 2024. Having amassed 1478 runs across 15 Tests, Jaiswal has certainly cemented his place in the national Test team after an outstanding year.

The young Indian opener started the year with a gripping double-century in the third Test against England in Rajkot. An unbeaten 214 saw the 22-year-old batter record his career-best Test innings so far. 

With three Test tons and nine half-centuries, Jaiswal has entered the globe of big names in test crickets in 2024. He also became the youngest Indian batter to reach 1000 Test runs in a calendar year during the second Test against New Zealand in October 2024.

With the most runs amongst Indian cricketers in 2024, Jaiswal also surpassed former Indian opener Virender Sehwag to become the Indian opener with the most Test runs in a calendar year.

3. Ben Duckett | 1149 runs

India v England: 'Out of this world' Ben Duckett and tourists' batting has  made hosts 'panic', says Alastair Cook - Eurosport
(Image credit | Eurosport)

The England veteran garnered 1149 Test runs in 17 innings for England in 2024, comprising two centuries and three half-centuries.

The 30-year-old England opener owned some brilliant records in 2024 as he notched up the fastest half-century in Tests by an England opener. Duckett smashed a blistering fifty off just 32 balls during England's second Test against West Indies in July 2024. 

Duckett also reached the milestone of becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 Test runs in terms of balls bowled in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024. By scoring a brilliant 114 off 129 balls, he completed his 2000 Test runs in just 2,293 balls while being the ultimate flagbearer of England's blistering 'Bazball' cricket.

4. Harry Brook | 1100 runs

First Time In 145 Years! Harry Brook Surpasses Legends To Claim Historic  Feat | Cricket News
(Image Credit | NDTV Sports)

Harry Brook has emerged as one of the most competent cricketers for England to showcase their quickfire brand of batting in Tests, which earned him 1100 Test runs across 12 Tests in 2024.

The 25-year-old batter scored four centuries and three half-centuries this year, at a remarkable strike rate of 87.04. However, Brook stormed into the headlines with his maiden triple-century in Tests against Pakistan in October 2024.

Brook recorded his career-best innings of 317 off 322 balls in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, helping England reach a mammoth total of 823 in the first innings. Noticeably, Brook scored 723 runs in 6 Tests while playing away from home, more than the same number of Tests he played in England in 2024.

5. Kamindu Mendis | 1049 runs

Records tumble for Sri Lanka's middle-order marvel Kamindu Mendis | Cricket  News - Times of India
(Image Credit | Times of India)

Kamindu Mendis enlisted himself as the sixth batsman to score more than 1000 runs in Tests across the year. The 26-year-old batter continued to be the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's middle-order, having garnered 1049 runs in only 9 Tests; studded with five tons and three half-centuries.

Mendis had an impressive batting average of 74.92 across nine Tests, more than any other batter who played more than two Tests during the calendar year.

However, Mendis marked his most notable achievement by becoming the joint-third fastest to score 1000 Test runs; matching Sir Don Bradman’s record of 13 innings to reach the milestone. He achieved this admirable record with an unbeaten innings of 182 off 250 deliveries which helped Sri Lanka win the second Test against New Zealand at Galle in September 2024.

The Sri Lankan batter also became the first cricketer in the 147 years of Test cricket's existence to hit a 50-plus score in all of his first eight Test matches. Mendis etched his name on the record books during the second Test against New Zealand by slamming his fifth half-century and eighth consecutive 50-plus score.

6. Kane Williamson | 1013 runs

New Zealand vs England: Kane Williamson makes history as Black Caps set  tourists 258 to win second Test | Cricket News | Sky Sports
(Image Credit | Sky Sports)

Kane Williamson continued his domination with the willow in Tests, having accumulated 1013 runs across 9 matches in 2024.

The New Zealand veteran smashed a thousand runs in a calendar year after nine years since the first. His impressive stint in Tests was studded with 4 tons and 4 half-centuries while maintaining an average of 59.58. The 34-year-old opener for New Zealand clinched his 33rd Test century during the Test against England in Hamilton on 16 December. 

Williamson brought up a brilliant knock of 156 off 204 deliveries in the second innings, becoming the third-fastest cricketer to register 33 centuries in Test cricket. Williamson reached this remarkable milestone in 186 innings, behind Ricky Ponting (178) and Sachin Tendulkar (183). 

7. Ollie Pope | 994 runs

Ollie Pope breaks record for quickest Test double century in England as  Tongue takes first Test wickets - Eurosport
(Image Credit | Eurosport)

Ollie Pope is another English batter in this list who broke the headlines, performing well for the formidable England Test side. The English wicketkeeper-batsman amassed 994 runs in 17 matches, studded with three centuries and four half-centuries.

Pope cracked the headlines as he achieved a unique record during the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval in September 2024. Pope became the first-ever cricketer to score his first seven Test centuries against different teams as he smashed an impressive unbeaten knock of 103 off 103 deliveries.

Sadly, the 26-year-old batter missed a double century by just four runs as he pulled off a knock of 196 runs off 278 deliveries against India in Hyderabad in January 2024. 

8. Rachin Ravindra | 984 runs

Rachin Ravindra scripts history with stunning ton against India in  Bengaluru Test
(Image credit | Cricket Addictor)

Rachin Ravindra had a memorable year in Tests, garnering 984 runs across 12 matches in 2024. The 25-year-old had also hit two centuries and four half-centuries with an average of 42.78. 

The biggest breakout star of the 2023 ODI World Cup acquired his personal best Test innings in February 2024, during the first Test of South Africa's tour of New Zealand. The left-handed batter scored a magnificent innings of 240 off 366 deliveries.

Rachin also became the first New Zealand cricketer to score a Test hundred on Indian soil after 2012, as he smashed 134 runs off 157 balls during the first Test in Bengaluru in October 2024. 

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What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final

With 10 Tests remaining in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, let us know what each team will need in this situation to make it to the WTC final.

Dec 14, 2024, 12:38 PM4 min read

What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final - Sportzpoint.com

Team India seems to be eliminated from the World Test Championship final. At present, South Africa and Australia are at the first and second positions respectively in the points table. South Africa recently whitewashed Sri Lanka in the 2-match Test series on home soil, after which they achieved the top position in the points table.

Also Read: Race to WTC 25 Final: Here is what India need to do to qualify for World Test Championship final

Team India's position is at stake as South Africa reaches the top. From here, South Africa needs only one more win to make it to the finals. At the same time, Australia will need about three wins to get a place in the finals. So let us know what each team will need in this situation to make it to the WTC final.

WTC Points Table

Team Matches Played (Mat) Won Lost Draw Points Percentage (PCT)
SA 10 6 3 1 76 63.33%
Aus 14 9 4 1 102 60.71%
Ind 16 9 6 1 110 57.29%
SL 11 5 6 0 60 45.45%

Australia's path to WTC final

What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final - Sportzpoint.com

  • 4-1 (BGT Scoreline) - Will qualify for WTC final
  • 3-1 (BGT Scoreline) - Will qualify for WTC final
  • 3-2 (BGT Scoreline) - Will qualify for WTC final
  • 2-2 (BGT Scoreline) - Will need to win at least one Test against Sri Lanka
  • 2-3 (BGT Scoreline) - Will need to win 2-0 against Sri Lanka

Australia, standing at second position with 60.71 percent, have three home Tests against India and two away Tests in Sri Lanka remaining. They need two wins from their three Tests against India to secure a place in the final. 

Even if Australia loses both Tests in Sri Lanka, a 3-2 series win against India would leave them at 55.26 percent, higher than India's 53.51 percent and Sri Lanka's 53.85 percent. If Australia loses 2-3, India would move up to 58.77 percent, and Australia would then need to win both Tests in Sri Lanka to surpass India. 

Alternatively, they would have to hope that South Africa manages no more than one draw against Pakistan, leaving South Africa at 55.56%, a mark Australia can surpass with a win and a draw in Sri Lanka.

India's path to WTC final

What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final - Sportzpoint.com

  • 4-1 (BGT Scoreline) - Will qualify for WTC final
  • 3-1 (BGT Scoreline) - Will qualify for WTC final
  • 3-2 (BGT Scoreline) - Will need Sri Lanka to draw at least one of their remaining matches against Australia
  • 2-2 (BGT Scoreline) - Will need Sri Lanka to win series against Australia 1-0 or 2-0 to qualify

The Indian team has lost 4 of the last 5 tests. At present, India is at third position in the points table with 57.290 percent. 

From here, Team India will have to achieve at least two wins in the remaining three Tests against Australia to reach the finals without depending on the results of other teams. Apart from this, they will have to get a test drawn. In this situation, even Australia's 2-0 victory against Sri Lanka will not cause any trouble.

If the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ends 2-2 and both the Australia-Sri Lanka Tests are drawn, then India and Australia will be tied at 55.26%. In this situation, Team India will progress in terms of winning more series.

Also Read: Is it the end of Rohit-Kohli? How can India qualify for WTC final? Who else whitewashed India at home?

South Africa's path to WTC final

What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final - Sportzpoint.com

  • Win one of their remaining two Tests against Pakistan

South Africa, leading the table with a percentage of 63.33, has two home matches against Pakistan remaining. Their recent 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka has put them in a strong position. 

To secure a spot in the final, South Africa needs to win just one of their upcoming Tests against Pakistan. A 1-1 series result would leave them at 61.11 percent, with only India or Australia in a position to overtake them.

Sri Lanka's path to WTC final

What each team needs to do to qualify for the WTC final - Sportzpoint.com

  • Win both remaining Tests against Australia and have other results go their way

Sri Lanka, currently at 45.45 percent, has two home matches against Australia left. Even if they win both Tests, they would only reach 53.85 percent, and would then be dependent on other results. 

South Africa and one of India or Australia can surpass this percentage. For both teams to finish below 53.85 percent, Australia would need to win their series against India 2-1 with two draws, and South Africa would have to lose both Tests against Pakistan.

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Cricket stats: Smriti Mandhana's Stats in ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Smriti Mandhana surpasses 500 runs in Women's T20 World Cup history. The article presents her performance and statistics in the T20I Women's World Cup and WT20I.

Oct 13, 2024, 11:14 AM3 min read

Cricket stats: Smriti Mandhana's Stats in ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Smriti Mandhana has been the premier batter for the Indian cricket team. However, her journey in the ICC 2024 T20I World Cup has been bittersweet unless she got back her form against Sri Lanka in the group A match.

She scored a blistering half century off 36 balls, against Sri Lanka. With that, she sarpassed 500 runs in Women's T20 World Cup history. With that, she came third Indian, having the former captain Mithali Raj (726 runs) at the top and the present skipper Harmanpreet Kaur at the second with 620 runs.

Name Runs
Mithali Raj 726 runs
Harmanpreet Kaur 620 runs
Smriti Mandhana 518 runs

She has played five editions of T20 World Cup earlier, accumulating 449 runs in 21 innings before stepping ito the 2024 version.

Key attributes of Mandhana in T20 Women's World Cup

  1. Mandhana has her highest score 87 against Ireland in 2023 World Cup
  2. Best performance in the 2018 T20 World Cup, accumulating 178 runs, at an average of 35.60.
  3. Scored a much needed 83 against Australia in 2023 

Smriti Mandhana in T20I

Mandhana is known for her graceful strokes and explosive power and is a consistent performer on the world stage. 

Mandhana impressed with her elegant strokeplay, especially through the offside. Her power-hitting capabilities came in public during the 2017 World Cup, rising benchmarks of modern-day cricket.

Later, she added more aggressive shots to her repertoire, without sacrificing her trademark timing and finesse, making her one of the most feared openers in women’s T20I cricket today.

Mandhana's stats in WT20I

visual representation of runs-sportzpoint.com
Graphical representation of Mandhana's performances based on her runs scored

Mandhana has played 142 WT20I matches, accumulating 3,505 runs with an average of 28.72. Her highest score is 87 that came against Ireland in 2023 World Cup.

She has scored 1,025 runs at home (average 26.97), 1,388 runs in away matches (average 30.17), and b

She has her highest runs against Australia (731 runs), while she has her second highest runs against England (724 runs).

Teams Matches Runs HS Average S/R 50s
Australia 25 731 83 30.45 124.74 7
England 21 724 79* 38.10 137.12 7
Sri Lanka 21 429 60 23.83 112.89 3
South Africa 19 406 57 29.00 121.55 3
Bangladesh 17 372 55* 24.80 111.71 1
West Indies 12 243 74* 27.00 116.26 2
Pakistan 10 239 63* 26.55 103.01 1
New Zealand 8 209 86 26.12 131.44 2
Ireland 2 120 87 60.00 141.17 1

 

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India's performance in every Women's T20 World Cup

Till now in the Women's T20 World Cup, India lost four times in the semi-finals while losing in the finals once in 2020. Here is India's performance in every Women's T20 World Cup.

Oct 9, 2024, 1:27 PM7 min read

India's performance in every Women's T20 World Cup

India has faced an unlucky exit from the T-20 Women's World Cup. Even after a strong display of performance against the Sri Lanka Women's Team, India failed to win a much-needed match against Australia. 

Their hopes had already been severely damaged in the first stage by a crushing defeat to New Zealand. But New Zealand has once again defeated Pakistan handily, providing India with an escape route.

India had never taken home the trophy before. However, many believed that this team had a chance to win the championship for the first time. Limiting to the semi-final stage seemed like the only aim for the team, but this time the team had high hopes. Names like Smriti Mandhana and Captain Harmanpreet Kaur were supposed to carry the major burden, in major rather than most important occasions!

The team coached by Amol Majumdar, and led by Harmanpreet Kaur, failed again, making their 4th Group stage exit. 

At points, when the fans may point fingers at the Pakistan Cricket team for their poor fielding, it is Team India's discredit to wait for some other team to qualify.

Performance Chart

To be honest, one shouldn't mind much if they get the "chockers" title! India finished in the top four position five times in 9 editions of the tournament. 2020 has to be their best run, as they had a podium finish. But that's all. A trophy is yet a dream, with no predictions of a good fortune.

However, here is a summary of India's overall performance in the World Cup.

T20 World Cup India’s Finish Hosts
2009 Semi-finals England
2010 Semi-finals West Indies
2012 Group stage Sri Lanka
2014 Group stage Bangladesh
2016 Group stage India
2018 Semi-finals West Indies
2020 Runners up Australia
2023 Semi-finals South Africa
2024 Group stage UAE

2009: A Promising Start Ends in Heartbreak

Mithali raj-sportzpoint.com
Mithali Raj was the leading run-scorer for India in the 2009 women's Cricket World Cup.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup started just two years after the men's one, in 2009. 

Led by the bowling queen Jhulan Goswami, India made a good impression in the tournament. Placed in Group B alongside England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, India won two of their three group matches but was defeated by England. India finished third in the Super Six.

They got the semi-final spot but were defeated by New Zealand, thus missing the finals abruptly. India’s campaign in 2009 highlighted the emergence of players like Mithali Raj and Anjum Chopra.

Key stats of India Women at the 2009 Women's Cricket World Cup

  • 234/5 against Australia was the highest team total.
  • 247 runs scored by Mithali Raj was the most number of runs scored by a player.
  • 76 by Anjum Chopra against Australia was the highest individual score by a player.
  • 5 half-centuries were by a player.
  • 5 half-centuries were scored by Indian players.
  • 12 wickets taken by Priyanka Roy was the most number of wickets taken by a player.
  • 4/14 by Priyanka Roy against the West Indies was the best bowling performance by a player.
  • 6 dismissals by Anagha Deshpande was the most number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
  • 4 dismissals by Sulakshana Naik against the West Indies was the most number of dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an innings.
  • 5 catches by Jhulan Goswami and Amita Sharma each was the most number of catches taken by a player.

2010: Consecutive Semi-Final Heartbreak

The 2010 edition was held in the West Indies, and India once again showed early signs of excitement. They made their way to the semifinals, but luck didn't favor them. 

They were outclassed by Australia, who went on to win the tournament. India was consistent throughout, but the defeat added another bitter experience to their diary.

2012: Group Stage Exit

An unexpected exit from the tournament, after playing two semis, had brought the team to its rock bottom.

In the 2012 Women’s T20 World Cup, hosted in Sri Lanka, India was placed in Group A. The tournament exposed several gaps in India’s team composition and strategy.

This early exit worked as a wake-up call for Indian women’s cricket. This emphasized the need for better preparation and a more aggressive approach to intense matches. Most importantly, India should be strong enough to face teams like England and Australia.

2014: Struggles Continue at Home

In 2014, India failed to channel Asian conditions advantage and repeated the 2012 results.  Despite promising talent in the squad, India couldn’t convert their potential into results. 

2016: Another Early Exit

India accompanied teams like West Indies and Pakistan in Group B. But their run ended in the group stage again.

The third consecutive group-stage exit for India raised questions about the team’s preparation and mindset in crucial matches.

2018: A comeback that ended in the semifinals

Kaur-sportzpoint.com
Harmanpreet became the first women to score a century in T20 World Cup

Led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur, the 2018 edition saw India bounce back with a much stronger performance. 

India stood unbeaten in the group stages. It included a dominant win against the infamous Australia. They looked like it would get its first title. But alas! A four-run defeat to England shattered their dream of the semifinals in the West Indies.

Harmanpreet’s leadership, combined with rising stars like Smriti Mandhana, gave India hope for the future. The semi-final exit might look painful, but that laid the foundation for a better future.

2020: Trophy so close, yet so far

2020 Runners up-sportzpoint.com

Australia, which has always been a foe to India, witnessed India's most successful World Cup campaign so far. India won all the matches in the group stage, including once against Australia.

The ICC Women's 2020 World Cup was remarkable in many ways. Australia seeing a dominating India, and rain coming in aid to the team, which is not so normal for the Indians!

Rain God blessed the Indians with an abandoned semifinal, leading to a direct qualification to the finals.

But the dream shattered in front of Australia's mammoth total of 185. India looked like a letdown to them, being bowled out within 99.

Hearts got broken. A dream that was knitted with love and care was demolished within a day!

India reached the podium as a runner-up, a consolation prize to wannabe winners!

2023: Used to with Semi-Final heart-aches

South Africa hosted the 2023 edition, and India choked again, in the country of the ultimate chockers!

A closely fought match ended in a 4-run defeat against the age-old evil Australia. India’s inability to overcome Australia in knockout games was becoming a recurring theme.

An Indian has to be sporting enough to admire the Aussies after the tons of heartbreaks this country has given!

However, India, leaving the mark by whiskers, became an irresistible habit. India’s journey in the Women’s T20 World Cup has been one of near-misses and heartbreaks, but their consistent presence in the semi-finals shows that they are perennial contenders, failing to channel their talents to the right stage.

2024: An unexpected group stage exit

The 2024 squad looked strong and had full potential to win the trophy. But an early defeat against New Zealand by 58 runs had dropped India into a tricky situation. India almost overcame it but lost to their age-old rival Australia by 9 runs.

This made India depend on New Zealand losing big to Pakistan. However, New Zealand won against Pakistan by 54 runs, crushing India's dream of reaching the semifinal.

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