CALCUTTA (India): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has heaped praise on the women’s cricket team for making the T20 World Cup final.
Last month, the men’s Under-19 team finished second behind Bangladesh in the 50-over World Cup.
“Well done the Women’s team @bcci @JayShah .. Two back to back World Cup finals .. but we lost,” Ganguly tweeted.
“We’re super .. we will get there someday .. love the team and players.”
Team India captain Virat Kohli also joined Ganguly in his praise of the women’s team. Kohli said he was “proud” of the women, who went into the final unbeaten and had outplayed Australia in the opening game of the tournament.
“Proud of all the efforts put in by the Indian Women’s Cricket Team throughout their #T20WorldCup campaign. I’m confident that you girls will bounce back stronger than ever,” Kohli tweeted.
However, India, who lost the toss and then watched as Shafali Verma drop Alyssa Healy in the first over, lost the final as Healy went on to smash 75 off 39 balls.
Australia won a record fifth women’s T20 World Cup title after posting 184 for four while India were all out for just 99.
“It was a tough day for #TeamIndia. Our team is young and will grow into a solid unit. You have inspired many across the globe,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. “We are proud of you. Keep working hard and never lose hope. It will happen one day.”
A teary-eyed Verma was consoled by her team-mates as she left the field. Kaur said the young team had a bright future.
“In the last T20 World Cup we reached the semis and this year in the finals. If we keep working and improving then in the future we will win,” said Kaur.
“You see our team is quite young. Young girls are coming and giving a 100 percent for the team. And I think this (making the finals) will motivate many girls back home and they will come and play cricket.”
