2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup – A Summary
Returning 5 years after its previous appearance in 2000, the women’s cricket world cup was back for the 8th time, this time in South Africa, and was scheduled to be played between 22nd March and 10th April. This contest was between 8 teams – New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Ireland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.
There were 31 matches in this edition which composed 3 centuries and 2 five-wicket hauls. This edition saw the rise of Indian players especially, those who went on to acquire the tag of being legendary. These include Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, both of whom were amongst the top performers of the tournament. Australia took on England in the semi-finals while India crossed swords with New Zealand. The Aussies came out on top, winning by 5 wickets while India outplayed New Zealand by 40 runs, making their inaugural appearance in a world cup final.
The final between the Australians and Indians was played at SuperSport Park, Centurion which directed the coin in Australia’s favor who chose to bat first. Despite openers Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley being dismissed cheaply for 19 and 5 respectively, Karen Rolton turned things Australia’s way by hitting an extraordinary 107* (128) on the big stage. She was given company by now commentator, Lisa Sthalekar who smashed a crucial 55 (75). Conclusively, the Aussies posted a decent 215/4, courtesy of Jhulan Goswami and Amita Sharma who picked 2 each.
In the second half, regrettably for India, no one got going with the highest score being just 29 by wicket-keeper Anju Jain at a strike rate of 55.76. Australia’s Clea Smith lead the attack with 4 scalps to her name with a majestic economy of just 2, bowling out India in just 47 overs, overpowering her team to defeat them by a substantial 98 run margin.
Cricket is a funny game, isn’t it? What happened to be one team’s first heartbreak in a world cup final was subsequently their opponent’s 5th victory in the same. Karen Rolton went on to win the player of the match and tournament award while England’s Charlotte Edwards scored the highest runs and India’s Neetu David picked the most wickets.
Student, Athlete, and Cricket Enthusiast.