Cricket has long been a male-dominated sport, but women’s cricket has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity and competition over the past few decades. Each of the last two World Cups has seen dramatic growth in terms of supporters outside the gates, and the evolving nature of the world’s best teams has added to the competition. The women’s game is now covered regularly on Sky Sports in the UK, with broadcasters in Australia and India both following suit.
Right now, most of the attention is on the men’s side of things, especially because the T20 World Cup is just around the corner. The upcoming tournament is important as it reflects the ICC’s latest efforts to enter the Americas, with part of the group matches taking place in the Land of the Free. Newly constructed stadiums in New York, Florida, and Texas – where stadiums will be shipped from Adelaide – will compete in the action, before the finals head to the Caribbean. Online cricket betting sites have made India the coveted +250 favourites, with Australia and England just behind them on the odds list.
But while those three are leading the men’s game, who are the stars of the show in the women’s world? Let’s find out.
Australia
Australia is the gold standard in women’s cricket. The dominance of the Southern Stars can be seen from their stay at the top of the One Day International and T20 rankings, a position they have held for a long time. Their success is built on a combination of incredible talent, tactical brilliance, and a strong domestic structure that ensures the national team is of utmost importance. Key players like all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who is arguably one of the best in the world with bat or ball, never mind both, is what 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 the winning wicket-taker from the moment she takes to the field.
Australia’s record is unparalleled, not only in individual victories but also in the small amount of silverware returned to Cricket Australia’s headquarters in Melbourne. They have won the World Cup an unprecedented seven times, and are the current reigning champions, handing their rivals England a crushing defeat by 71 runs in the most recent tournament in New Zealand in 2022. They have also won six out of eight T20 World Cups. who has competed against them, including the last three in the bounce.
In England
Australia’s closest rival in recent years has come via England. They managed to eliminate their enemies from the Land Down Under strangled by the World Cup, winning two of the last four. They stormed to glory in the first ever women’s championship back in 1973 but would have to wait 20 years before their next triumph. Their third and perhaps best triumph came in 2009 as they dominated their arch-rivals, before taking the title again in 2017, this time at home at Lord’s.
In the world of T20, however, things are very different. England won the first tournament in 2009, but have not tasted success since.
The team is known for its combination of experienced players and emerging talent, ensuring a steady supply of match winners. Captain Heather Knight, a reliable middle-order batsman, has been crucial to her country’s success. She is supported by the likes of all-rounder supremo Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Sophie Ecclestone, one of the best bowlers in the women’s game.
India
With the support of a cricket-mad nation, Indian cricketers have inspired millions and raised the profile of the game in the country. Noted batsman and former captain Mithali Raj is the highest run scorer in women’s international cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur, renowned for her batting and leadership, has been instrumental in many memorable victories for the Women in Blue. Smriti Mandhana, a stylish left-handed opener, always brings creativity and valuable 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, the focus was only on the likes of Virat Kohli and the IPL, but coming within a whisker of their maiden world title put them in the limelight. Their strong campaigns in the subsequent T20 World Cup – reaching the final again in 2020, although they failed in the attempt – made them strong contenders on the world stage. They are a distant third behind the Ausses and English, but third nonetheless.
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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