After months of postponing the Women's World Cup due to Covid, New Zealand is finally hosting the major tournament from March to April 2022. Will Mithali Raj bat at No. 3 is a major question right now.

Read also: Most runs in women's cricket: Mithali Raj on top

All the teams are preparing their best squad for the world cup. Australia will provide great opportunities for India in making pivotal selection calls across departments. The India team faced a few defeats in the last years. The coach Ramesh Powar and captain Mithali Raj are working hard for a victorious performance in the world cup.

On Saturday, a one-off warm-up match was conducted. The match was a kind of indication that Mithali might come to bat above the No. 4 position. She is playing in this position since the India tour of New Zealand 2019. In continuous 18 innings, she batted two-down or lower. Firstly, she scored 40s or more in 11 such matches. Secondly, this also included 7 half-centuries. Lastly, India won 9 and lost 9 of these matches.

There has been quite a little chatter all around about Mithali. She clearly surpassed those with her performances as she hit 4 consecutive half-centuries in her last 4 innings. Raj came to bat at one-down but got out for just 1 in the warm-up. In spite of this, the Indian team should consider her at the No. 3 position for a good outcome. After all, she is experienced, a fantastic cricketer and is definitely reliable. The queries and issues with the No. 3 position no longer be in question.

Shefali Verma's performances:

The No. 3 position saw quite a few changes during that period. Cricketers like Punam Raut, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Harmanpreet Kaur tried their hands in this position. But all of them could not succeed to make it their own position. The situation came to control temporarily after Shefali Verma's Test and ODI debut in June.

She showed destructive performance at the 2020 T20 World Cup with 163 runs. She was exceptional in the tri-series in Australia on the same tour as well. Shefali spent over a year without playing international cricket, and also faced non-selection for the ODI series against South Africa. But the tables turned after her ferocious cricket in the 2020 tour of Australia

India registered a huge victory on Sunday in the first match of the ODI series between India Women vs West Indies Women. They have defeated West Indies by a huge margin of 211 runs in this match.

This margin of victory is India's second-largest ever in terms of runs in Women's ODIs. Only above it is their 249-run demolition of Ireland in a quadrangular series in 2017. It's also West Indies' biggest-ever defeat in the format, beating their 208-run loss to England in 2019.

Also Read: Most WT20I runs in a calendar year

Let's take a look at the biggest wins for India in WODIs.

Biggest wins for India | WODI

1# 249 vs Ireland (2017)

The biggest win for India in Women's ODI was against Ireland in 2017. Chasing a whopping 359-run target in Potchefstroom, Ireland was bundled out for 109 in 40 overs as spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad and pacer Shikha Pandey dismissed four and three batters respectively.

The victory was made possible because of all-rounder Deepti Sharma scoring a career-best 188 (160), the second-highest individual score in the format at the time. Deepti, who has the second-highest average among ODI opening batters (min. 500 runs) to her name, used to open the batting frequently back in the day.

A mammoth 320-run opening stand alongside fellow centurion Punam Raut remains the highest partnership in the format to date. 

2# 211 vs West Indies (2024)

India scored their second-highest innings total at home, i.e., 314/9 in Vadodara today. Coincidently, both their 300+ ODI totals at home have come in 2024. Thanks to Smriti Mandhana's 91 off 102. Having missed out on becoming the fourth batter to register 10 ODI hundreds, Mandhana’s fourth 90s dismissal saw her equaling the record for the most such dismissals in the format.

In the second innings, a run-out handed India a wicket on the first legal delivery. With Renuka Singh picking two wickets in her first three overs and Saima Thakor following it with another one in the sixth over, West Indies just couldn’t recover from 11/4 in 5.2 overs. 

Renuka, who registered a maiden five-wicket haul, was adjudged the Player of the Match as it played a key role in dismissing the visitors on 103 in 26.2 overs.

3# 207 vs Pakistan (2008)

India defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan by 207 runs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in 2008 for their third-biggest win in Women's ODIs. Captain Mithali Raj’s decision to bat first was followed by Jaya Sharma and Rumeli Dhar joining her in scoring half-centuries to power the team to 283/3 in 50 overs, India’s third-highest ODI innings total at the time.

In the second innings, Neetu David, Snehal Pradhan, and Jhulan Goswami's brilliant bowling bundled out Pakistan for 76 in 33.3 overs in the last league contest.

4# 193 vs Pakistan (2005)

A double-century partnership between Jaya Sharma and Anjum Chopra fashioned India's massive 193-run victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup women's cricket limited-overs match. Jaya’s career-best performance, 138* (150), was part of the second-highest third-wicket ODI partnership (alongside Anjum Chopra) back then.

A day after India won a match by 10 wickets only for the third time in the format, they thwacked Pakistan by 193 runs after bowling them out for 96 runs in 41.4 overs on the back of David (7.4-5-7-3) and Nooshin Al Khadeer’s (10-7-7-2) magical bowling figures.

5# 186 vs New Zealand (2017) 

Put in to bat first by New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Mithali Raj herself scored 109 (123) to play a titular role in India putting on board 265/7 in 50 overs. In a bid to complement their skipper, Veda Krishnamurthy and Harmanpreet also chipped in with half-centuries.

In reply, New Zealand bundled out for 79 right after the halfway mark in Derby. Gayakwad’s career-best bowling figures of 7.3-1-15-5 had seen her running through the opposition’s lineup.

On Wednesday, Neetu David was enlisted into the ICC Hall of Fame, becoming the second Indian woman, after Diana Edulji, to receive this prestigious honor. 

Neetu David, who has dedicated her life to the sport, both as a player and as an administrator, rightly deserves this moment. However, it's not just recognizing the number enscripted in the record books, but many unsaid contributions, her craft of spin bowling, and her presence on the off-field encouraging women's cricket for a better future.

The Record-Setting Spinner

Neetu David’s career speaks volumes in numbers—141 wickets in 97 ODIs, 41 wickets in 10 Tests. Moreover, she proudly carries her tag as the first Indian woman to cross the 100-wicket milestone in ODIs.

It was in a 1995 Test match against England that Neetu David etched her name in history. Her spell of 8/53 remains the best-ever bowling figure in a women’s Test innings to this day. Even though India faced a heartbreaking two-run loss, Neetu’s had set the gold standard for slow bowling. To be honest, scalping eight wickets is fiery enough in those days. But when it comes with grace and consistency, it is something that needs to be worshipped. 

Her meticulous ability to vary her pace, loop the ball just right, and outsmart batters is what made Neetu David a nightmare for batters across the world. It would be absolutely wrong to say that she was a bowler. She literally planned and crafted her dismissals, giving treats to the eyes.

A Journey Across Three World Cups

David has played in three World Cups and has experienced both glory and heartbreak. A semi-final finish in 1997 on home soil and an early exit in 2000—she went through all but stayed tall with the ball in hand.

However, she was in her peak form in the 2005 Women’s World Cup in South Africa. Neetu concluded as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, bagging 20 wickets, guiding India towards their maiden final. Well, again, Australia being the major hurdle for India shattering the dream. 

The 2005 final was bittersweet for Neetu. She had done everything within her power, but her fate didn't support it. Nonetheless, her place among the tournament's best was unquestionable, and her leadership on the field earned her the admiration of peers and rivals alike.

The Transition from Player to Selector

David retired from international cricket in 2006 but did not leave the field. She had her brief outing in 2008 but soon realized her greater calling lay off the field. She played her last domestic match in 2013 for the Railways, aiding them to win the Senior Women's T20 League title.

In 2020, David was appointed as the Chair of the Women’s Selection Committee for India, on the eve of the new era in India’s women’s cricket. During her tenure, the team made rapid transitions, including the retirements of legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. 

Moreover, David played a crucial role in nurturing young talents like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh.

Beyond the Numbers: Neetu’s Everlasting Influence

David’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is more than just a recognition of her numbers. It is about honoring a cricketer who helped pave the way for future generations. Women’s cricket in India today stands on the shoulders of pioneers like Neetu, who fought against the odds, often without the resources or recognition their male counterparts enjoyed.

Her journey from a 17-year-old debutant to a Hall of Famer is one filled with grit, determination, and a love for the sport that transcends records. Neetu David may have left the playing field, but her legacy continues to spin its way into the future of Indian cricket.

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.

Read Also: Indian Head Coach Record since 2000

Most T20I runs for the Indian Women's Team

1. Smriti Mandhana - 3433 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.

Indian women's team's star batsmen Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have set a new world record for opening partnership in women's Test cricket on Friday. Both the batsmen made a big partnership of 292 runs for the first wicket on the first day of the only Test being played against South Africa.

Also Read: Smriti Mandhana creates history by becoming first Indian woman to hit consecutive ODI hundreds

Indian pair broke 20-year-old record

Mandhana and Shafali broke the 20-year-old record of Pakistan. Earlier in the year 2004, Pakistan's pair of Sajjida Shah and Kiran Baluch had added 241 runs against West Indies in the Karachi Test. Now the Indian pair has left this record behind.

Partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket

If we talk about partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket, this record of Shafali and Mandhana has now become the second biggest partnership. The record for the highest partnership in women's Test cricket for any wicket is in the name of Australian batsmen Lindsay Reeler and Denise Annetts, who added 309 runs for the third wicket against England in the Wetherby (England) Test in 1987.

Shafali-Mandhana left behind Punam Raut and Thirush Kamini

Shafali and Mandhana thus improved their previous best partnership of 167 runs against England in Bristol in 2021. With this, both of them also left behind the previous highest Indian partnership for any wicket. Earlier this record was in the name of Punam Raut and Thirush Kamini, who had made a partnership of 275 against South Africa in Mysore in 2014.

Shefali became fourth Indian player to score more than 150 runs

The Mandhana-Shafali partnership was broken by Delmi Tucker by dismissing Mandhana for 149 runs. From the other end, Shefali became the fourth Indian player to score more than 150 runs in Tests. Before her, Mithali Raj, Thirush Kamini, and Sandhya Agarwal have achieved this feat.

India has scored 525 runs for 4 wickets in 98 overs in Day 1. Shafali (205) was run out after scoring a double-century. Apart from Smriti and Shafali, India lost two more wickets in the form of Shubha Satheesh (5) and Jemimah Rodrigues (55).

Also Read: Women's Cricket Stats: Smriti Mandhana becomes fastest to 3000 T20I runs

Highest partnership for any wicket in women's Test cricket

Former Australian batsman Michael Klinger has been appointed head coach of Gujarat Giants ahead of the WPL 2024 on Tuesday. He will replace former Australian batsman Rachael Haynes. Michael Klinger will join the team of former Indian captain Mithali Raj (mentor) and Nooshin Al Khadeer (bowling coach) to help Gujarat Giants perform even better.

Also Read: WPL 2024: Every WPL squad after the auction

The WPL 2024, which is the second season of this tournament, will be played in Bengaluru and New Delhi. The tournament will start from February 23 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gujarat Giants will take on Mumbai Indians in their first match of the campaign on February 25.

Giving information about Klinger's appointment, Gujarat Giants' Advisor and Team Mentor Mithali Raj said, "Working with Michael will help bring out the best in the Gujarat Giants players. His expertise with the bat is also well-known and will surely benefit some of the younger members of our team. We look forward to having Klinger in the dressing room. We are sure of attaining success with him as head coach."

Klinger has also played the role of coach in BBL

After retirement, Klinger served as the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL for two seasons in the 2019–20 season. The 43-year-old previously served as an assistant coach in the WBBL this season, where the team finished fourth.

Klinger has been a big name in the men's BBL. He retired in 2019 and is recognized as the league's all-time leading run-scorer. His experience in various aspects of the game will prove beneficial for the Gujarat Giants team.

Commenting on his appointment as head coach, Klinger said, "The Gujarat Giants have a chance to do something special in Season two of the Women's Premier League. I'm eagerly looking forward to working with cricketing legend Mithali Raj, who has played a transformative role in women's cricket in India. I hope to take the team to ultimate glory."

Last year Gujarat Giants had won only 2 matches

Last year the performance of Gujarat Giants was very poor. They had to face defeat in 6 out of 8 matches. The team was at the bottom of the points table at 5th position.

Also Read: Alyssa Healy, Deepti Sharma Among 13 Top Players Retained by UP Warriorz for WPL Season 2

Gujarat Giants added all-rounder in the auction

Gujarat Giants have added many all-rounders in the WPL 2024 auction. They have included Chandigarh all-rounder Kashvee Gautam along with Phoebe Litchfield and Scotland all-rounder Kathryn Bryce. Veda Krishnamurthy has also returned to the team. With this, the Gujarat Giants team will benefit from his experience in the middle order.