SYDNEY (Australia): India reached their first women’s Twenty20 World Cup final after their last-four clash against England was washed out Thursday, sparking calls to include reserve days in future events.
With no reserve day, the highest ranked teams from the two groups move into the final if play is not possible, putting India through.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten side were due to face the 2009 champions at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but the rain began pouring early in the day and barely let up.
With a minimum of 10 overs per side needed for a result and no break in the weather, the umpires called it off without a ball being bowled.
Normally, five overs a side are needed to constitute a Twenty20 match, but the rules are different for ICC tournaments.
With no reserve day, the highest ranked teams from the two groups move into the final if play is not possible, putting India through.
“From day one, we knew we had to win all the games in case the semis didn’t happen,” said Kaur. “First T20 World Cup final means a lot for us. But as a team, we just want to play our best cricket in the final.”
Teenage batting prodigy Shafali Verma excelled for India, rising to the top of the ICC T20 batting rankings this week aged just 16.
Ranked four in the world, India had made three semifinals before this year and lost every time, including against England at the last World Cup.
