2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup – A Summary
With the women’s cricket world cup now established as a regular and crucial tournament, this edition was back in just 4 years after Australia became 5-time champions in 2005. This time, the cup was brought to Australia but ironically, this wasn’t Australia’s year.
To begin with, this contest was timed to be played in just 2 weeks, starting on the 7th of March and ending on the 22nd. Unlike most of its previous editions, this tournament was played in the group stage and knock-out format between 8 teams- New Zealand, Australia, England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies, resulting in 25 matches spread across 6 venues. The teams were divided into two groups- A and B with New Zealand and England leading group A and B respectively with 6 points each. As a result, the final was announced to be played between these two while Australia and India contested for the 3rd position. The latter took place at Bankstown Oval in Bankstown and India came out on top with a convincing 3 wicket win.
Moving on, the fight for the final prize began at 10 AM on 22nd March in North Sydney at the North Sydney Oval. This match was attended by around 2,300 spectators who witnessed England clinch its 3rd title, which was the first one outside England.
New Zealand batted first putting up a low 166 without completing their quota of 50 overs. This was led by Lucy Doolan who was the only one who went past a 40, scoring 48 (57). The star for England was Nicky Shaw who picked up 4 in just 8.2 overs.
In the second innings, England’s openers Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins scored 39 and 40 runs each, giving the team a decent start. They were the top two scorers and were ample to chase down the target in 46.1 overs. Lucy Doolan was also amongst wickets with her 4 wicket haul which predestinated, for New Zealand was not sufficient to win the match for them, owing to the low score. The player of the match was England’s Nicky Shaw for her splendid bowling performance while the player of the series was England’s Claire Taylor who was also the highest run-scorer (324). Likewise, her teammate Laura Marsh was the highest wicket-taker.
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