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On this day: 14 years since Dhoni led India beat Pakistan to win inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007

On this day in 2007 India won their first ever T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan by 5 runs in final. Ever since this win the rise of India in world cricket began.

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On this day in 2007 India won their first ever T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan by 5 runs in final. Ever since this win the rise of India in world cricket began. This win came after the humiliating exit from group-stage of ICC World Cup 2007. This tournament changed the future of Indian cricket.

Senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid pulled out themselves from team selection, as no one wanted to be the scapegoat in case of India ended-up losing the tournament. Later, BCCI appointed young M.S. Dhoni as captain and selected a team of youngster and some new faces including Joginder Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Sreesanth, etc. No one imagined that this team of youngster would go on to create history and bring the joy to Indian fans who were still suffering from that humiliating exit from ICC World Cup 2007. From 6 sixes of Yuvi versus England to Gautam Gambhir’s match winning of 75 runs in final. Everything was historical for team India.

After winning the toss India opted to bat first and with the help of Gambhir’s 75 runs in 54 balls and 30 runs in 16 balls of young Rohit Sharma, India posted 157 runs for 5 wickets. Chasing the target of 158 Pakistan lost their first wicket in 1st over of the game by Respondent Singh. But it didn’t stop Pakistan from scoring the run, at end of 6th over Pak were at 53-3. When Pak were at 65-4 in 8.3 overs, it seemed India would win easily. But the arrival of Misbah-ul-Haq started causing problems for Indian bowlers. Pak kept losing wickets after wickets from another end, but it didn’t affect Misbah to get close to the target.

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https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1441246683220754435

In final over of the game Pak needed 13 runs in 6 balls with only 1 wicket in hand. Dhoni gave the ball to Joginder Sharma to bowl that crucial over and he bowled the first ball wide. On third ball of the last over Misbah smoked a six over long on and Pakistani fans were at their feet. Pak were needed only 6 runs in next three balls with Misbah on strike. Both teams were tensed at that moment, no one knew what was gonna happen. Before bowling the 4th ball Dhoni asked Sreesanth to come a bit forward in gully and Misbah hit the ball exactly to Sreesanth, who made no mistake to grab that catch. India started dancing around Johannesburg after that win. It change the momentum of Indian cricket with few superstars emerging in the tournament.

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From basketball gold to cricket stardom: Pratika Rawal’s journey with 92.5% in CBSE to India’s ODI debut

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Pratika Rawal during her cricket training session

In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.

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India women vs West Indies women 2nd ODI: Harleen Deol’s century, Jemimah Rodrigues’ fifty take India past 300

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harleen deol raises her bat in celebration after scoring her maiden century against west indies women

In the ongoing second ODI between India Women and West Indies Women at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, India have put up a solid performance, reaching 358/5 in 50 overs. Harleen Deol is in impressive form, standing strong at century, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributes with half century as they continue to build on their momentum after India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bat first after winning the toss.

India had earlier dominated the first match of the series with a commanding 211-run victory, marking their second-largest win in women’s ODIs. The West Indies team is looking to bounce back from that crushing defeat, which was their heaviest in terms of runs in ODI history.

India has remained unchanged from the first ODI, with Pratika Rawal, who was part of the record-setting 211-run win, getting another chance to impress at the top of the order. The West Indies, aiming to level the series, have handed a debut to Nerissa Crafton, the 26-year-old middle-order batter, in place of Shabika Gajnabi. Crafton’s inclusion also adds an additional bowling option for the visitors after they struggled to control the Indian batters in the previous match, conceding 160 runs off the last 20 overs.

India’s lineup includes Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, and Renuka Singh. The West Indies squad consists of Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Zaida James, Nerissa Crafton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack.

The match is still in progress as India looks to build on their strong position.

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Sutherland’s masterful century guides Australia to victory in rain-affected ODI

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Annabel Sutherland raising her bat after scoring a century in the second ODI against New Zealand

Australia 291/7 (Sutherland 105, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs (via DLS)*

Australia secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve, with Annabel Sutherland once again taking center stage with an unbeaten 105. The rain-hit match, which saw Australia post 291 for 7, was halted after 31 overs with New Zealand on 122 for 5, ensuring Australia’s 14th consecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The contest began with anticipation surrounding Alyssa Healy’s return to the international fold after a lengthy injury layoff. Healy, playing as a specialist batter, contributed a steady 34 off 32 balls, providing solid support at the top of the order. However, it was Sutherland’s explosive innings that truly dominated the day.

Sutherland, who had recently made an impressive 110 against India in Perth, showed her prowess in tough batting conditions. She became the first player to hit back-to-back ODI centuries from the No.5 position, guiding Australia to a challenging total. With the ball swinging in the seaming conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain her. Sutherland launched two sixes in the final overs and reached her century off just 78 balls, sealing her third ODI ton with a boundary.

After a rain delay disrupted play, New Zealand found themselves needing to chase a steep target, and the early loss of key wickets left them in a difficult position. Debutant Bella James was aggressive early on, pulling Megan Schutt for a six, but her knock ended at 27 when she was caught off Kim Garth. Suzie Bates, who had presented James with her debut cap, was dismissed cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 60 for 3.

Captain Sophie Devine’s departure after edging Ellyse Perry further put New Zealand on the back foot, and although Jess Kerr and Frankie MacDonald showed resilience, the required run rate was steadily climbing. New Zealand’s hopes were dashed as the heavens opened up, signaling the end of the match with them still well short of the target.

The rain-shortened match reflected not just Australia’s superiority with the bat, but also the challenges New Zealand faced in the field. Notably, debutant James had a tough outing, dropping three catches, including one when Sutherland was on 26. Despite a spirited 4-46 from Molly Penfold, New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly.

For Australia, the win was a continuation of their dominant form after their 3-0 whitewash against India. New Zealand’s defeat has complicated their path to directly qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with the team sitting precariously in sixth position on the Women’s Championship standings.

The match marked a significant milestone for Healy, who made her return after a lengthy injury layoff. Although her knock was brief, it was a welcome sight for Australia’s leadership. She has been working hard in the nets to regain form, and her boundary off Rosemary Mair’s second ball was a signal of her readiness for the challenges ahead.

The ODI series will now shift focus to the third and final match, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory as the Women’s Championship points race continues.

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