India's performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history

India is poised to be a strong contender at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which kicks off on October 3 in the UAE. The anticipation is palpable as the team, known as the Women in Blue, aims to make history by clinching their maiden title in this prestigious tournament. In the previous edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, India came agonizingly close to securing silverware but fell short in the final, marking their best-ever finish in the competition. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, establishing themselves as formidable contenders. They began their campaign with a strong performance, defeating host nation Australia by 17 runs, showcasing their potential and determination.

As the upcoming tournament approaches, the players are focused on learning from past experiences and building on their strengths. The 2024 edition presents an opportunity for India to not only showcase their talent but also to rewrite history. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, the team is determined to make a significant impact on the global stage. Fans are hopeful that this time, the Women in Blue will go the distance and secure their first ICC title, marking a new chapter in Indian women's cricket.

India's best finishes in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history

India topped Group A in the Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating fellow teams New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, showcasing an impressive record throughout the group stage. This strong performance set the stage for a semifinal clash against England, which had finished second in Group B. The anticipation was high as both teams prepared for what promised to be an exhilarating match. However, looming over the semifinals was the threat of rain, with forecasts indicating possible downpours that could disrupt play. The uncertainty of the weather added an extra layer of tension to the proceedings, as both teams and fans anxiously awaited the outcome. Cricket Australia had appealed to the ICC to include a reserve day for the knockout matches to ensure that weather conditions wouldn't interfere with the competition. Unfortunately, this request was declined, leaving the fate of the semifinal hanging in the balance.

As the teams prepared to battle it out on the field, the possibility of rain raised concerns about whether the match could proceed as planned. The lack of a reserve day meant that any interruption could have significant implications for both teams’ aspirations of reaching the final. With everything on the line, the players were determined to perform at their best, hoping to overcome any obstacles that might arise, including the unpredictable weather. The stage was set for a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to secure their place in the championship match.

Rain indeed played the role of a spoilsport in India's semifinal against England, resulting in a washout that left both teams disappointed. However, India breathed a sigh of relief, as its superior group-stage record allowed it to advance to the final. This progression marked a significant milestone, as it was India’s first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup final.

In the other semifinal, Australia continued its dominance by overcoming South Africa, securing a spot in the championship match for the sixth consecutive time. With this backdrop, the stage was set for a thrilling final showdown between India and the seasoned Australian team, renowned for its track record of success in women's cricket. The Women in Blue entered the final with high hopes and the confidence gained from their impressive performances throughout the tournament. However, the challenge of facing Australia proved formidable. Despite their aspirations, India faced a significant setback, suffering a substantial 85-run defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The loss highlighted the gap between the two teams, with Australia’s experience and skill shining through. Nevertheless, reaching the final was a historic achievement for India, and the players gained invaluable experience that they could build upon for future tournaments. The journey to the final has laid a solid foundation for the Women in Blue, who will undoubtedly strive to return stronger in their quest for an ICC title.

Poonam Yadav was the only Indian player selected for the ICC T20 World Cup XI, demonstrating her outstanding performance as a leg spinner with 10 wickets throughout the tournament. Another highlight for India was the remarkable 16-year-old Shafali Verma, who scored a total of 171 runs and earned recognition as the 12th player in the tournament XI. As India gears up for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, nine players from the 2020 squad are making the journey, eager to transform the disappointment of their previous final loss into a triumphant experience. The team is focused on channeling their past struggles into motivation, aiming to secure their first senior ICC trophy.

With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents like Verma, India is determined to make a strong impact in the tournament. The players are committed to harnessing their collective skills and experiences to excel on the international stage. This upcoming competition presents an opportunity for redemption, and the Women in Blue are ready to take on the challenge, hoping to rewrite their history and create joyful memories for fans and players alike.