Early Journey and Family Support

Originated from Moga, Punjab, Harmanpreet shared that the backing her parents gave her, most notably the sacrifices made by her father, was very instrumental in her reaching this point. She recalled a very emotional moment when she gave her first professional cricket money to her father feeling “like the richest person on earth” which made it a very memorable milestone in her career.

Read More: Tim Southee Appointed Bowling Coach for Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead of IPL 2026

Leadership and Team Dynamics

As a leader, Harmanpreet revealed that she uses a combination of her instincts and careful planning. She is very much into trusting her teammates, mentoring the younger players, and creating a good and strong team spirit atmosphere. She narrated an incident when during the final she decided to give the key overs to young star Shafali, a gut decision that turned out to be the right one.

Coping With Criticism and Pressure

Referring to the criticism and online trolling after the rough patches in the tournament, she said the squad was strong and united. The pressure was not allowed to dominate them, they rather took the critiques as challenges, remained self, assured and loyal to each other and so they lifted the trophy.

Future of Women’s Cricket

Future, wise, Harmanpreet gave good words to the leagues like the Women’s Premier League and the WBBL in Australia and said that these tournaments have lifted the standards and the opportunities and made the sport more professional. She is focused on the growth of the talent pool and is very enthusiastic about the participation of more girls and women in the sport. She is very positive that Indian women’s cricket will go a long way and be recognized all over the world.

The post Harmanpreet Kaur: Journey of India’s World Cup-Winning Captain appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Breaking Barriers Through Personal Experience

Once Harmanpreet was the only girl in a boys’ club of 500. She was full of doubts and lacked opportunities to play. Boys used to insult girls by saying that girls shouldn’t play cricket, and their voices were cruelly taunting them, says Punam Raut. To come through worse things than them is what energizes Harmanpreet to be so tough on the next generation’s way of working.

Grassroots Transformation Already Visible

The change is already accomplished as a matter of fact that can be seen by the results on the ground. Today girls are playing at the highest level at Harmanpreet’s old club, and they have their own special net. The number of girls going to cricket academies has increased, and big states like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand have started girl cricketer programs and scholarships to support them.

​Read More: Haris Rauf on the Unforgiving Nature of International Cricket: “Players Expected to Perform Like Robots”

BCCI Support and Future Investment

After the India women were victorious in the cricket World Cup, the BCCI rewarded the team with ₹51 crores. With the Women’s Premier League, planning for sustainability, revenue generation, and a new Under-19 and senior A-team program, along with a ground-level plan of focus, 2023 will be a historical tradition for women’s cricket. Jay Shah has provided a premier infrastructure and facilities on which their equation is based.

Creating Lasting Legacy

Harmanpreet is communicating separately to all of us that success is not enough without the trophy’s proof. Many believe that this World Cup victory will ultimately be the reason more girls cull the sport and more willing parents allow their daughters to scope cricket. It reminds us the end goal: cricket should not be just a past-time, but a profession girls would consider in the future.

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Team Resilience Through Adversity

The team was defeated three times consecutively by South Africa, Australia, and England. This situation could have easily caused them to lose their spirit. Nevertheless, what they did was not to part ways, but rather they strengthened their bond. They had more meetings, talks, and they also shared their feelings and accepted the defeats. Most importantly they kept focus on what was coming next and this gave them the strength to transform their problems into a new force to bring back their revival and progress.

Mental Strength and Bonding Techniques

They didn’t just get prepared for the tournament which was a few months away, but also got ready through many camps and bonding activities during those months. In addition to that, they started to use visualization and meditation in their schedule which was suggested by their strength coach A.I. Harrsha and coach Amol Muzumdar. By doing this, they became able to manage and control their nervousness and tension when the pressure was on as they imagined the match scenarios beforehand and this made it easier for them to be calm and collected throughout the matches.

Read More: India vs Australia 5th T20I: Match got Abandoned Because of Weather

Emotional Support Within the Team

Additionally, Arundhati was there to give emotional support to Jemimah Rodrigues during the difficult time of Rodrigues’s bad start. The friendship and support between them gave the strength to Rodrigues to come back and play a crucial innings. This statement is proof of the strong trust and understanding that exists in the team.

Commitment Beyond Game Time

Although Arundhati was given very little time to play, she didn’t lose sight of the team’s objectives. She was at her best in practice, fielding, and encouraging her fellow players. Her behavior is a manifestation of the team spirit being the most important thing in the campaign.

Handling Emotional Highs

After the great achievement and thus tough challenge, of dispatching Australia in the semifinal the team didn’t let themselves get carried away with the moment and quickly turned their attention to the final. Preparation for the next match was done with seriousness and professionalism as was evident from their step of leaving the huge celebration ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌aside.

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India vs South Africa Final: A Night to Remember

It wasn’t just another match, it really felt like something written in fate. India came to the final full of confidence after that crazy chase against Australia in the semis, and they kept that same fire here too.

After a long rain delay, India got to bat first and they really made use of it. The openers gave a good start and the middle order kept the score running, taking India to 298 for 6. Maybe not the biggest total ever, but on that pitch, it looked good enough.

South Africa’s Fight Fizzles Under Pressure

South Africa started the chase quite well. Their captain Laura Wolvaardt looked in amazing touch again, hitting beautiful shots all around. For a moment, it even looked like they were going to make it. But cricket is strange, everything can change in a blink.

Once Wolvaardt got out after her century, everything turned around. The other batters started losing control and pressure got high. India’s bowlers stayed calm and tight, bowling with focus and patience. Slowly the chase just fell apart, and South Africa were all out for 247. That’s when all the celebrations began.

When Harmanpreet Kaur caught that last ball, for a second the world went silent. And then suddenly everyone screamed, hugged, cried, laughed. It was pure emotion.

After losing finals in 2005 and 2017, this was finally India’s redemption. It felt like India’s 1983 moment but in women’s cricket, one that people will talk about for years. The happiness, disbelief, the noise, it all came together that night.

India’s Road to Glory

The journey wasn’t easy for India in this World Cup. They had a rough start, losing three matches in a row, and many thought it was all over. But then something changed in the team. They got together, started believing again, and began winning matches one after another.

That semifinal against Australia changed everything. Jemimah Rodrigues played one of the best knocks ever, and from that moment, India looked unstoppable. In the final, everyone played their part someone with the bat, someone with the ball and that made all the difference.

It was not just a win for one team, it was a win for every woman in India who ever dreamed to play cricket.

The post India Create History Lifts Maiden ICC Women’s World Cup Title After Beating South Africa in 2025 Final appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Strong Foundation at the Top

In good time and in control, Phoebe Litchfield was able to pace herself to a total of 119 runs. She did little to change her shot selection throughout the innings, driving her shots into the straighter channels, rotating the strike, and accumulating runs off more loose bowling. Litchfield’s focus on establishing a partnership allowed Australia to get through the early phases of the inning without showing any signs of losing momentum as they established a base.

Ellyse Perry helped to continue the start with a stylish 77, through the covers and at a good run rate. Litchfield and Perry accomplished a coherent partnership through the middle overs and deterred India’s attempts to slow the game. The partnership highlighted composure and was able to maintain a run rate as well as to be able to apply significant pressure to the Indian seamers.

Lower-Order Acceleration

In the last stages of the innings, Ashleigh Gardner delivered the impetus Australia wanted with a rapid 63. Her attacking mentality changed the speed of the innings; she was able to quickly add valuable runs to the total. Gardner was especially keen on targeting the straight boundary, taking away India’s ability to restrict runs at the death.

Even though India made a late attempt to regain control by taking a couple of wickets in the closing overs, Australia had already built a base to post a competitive total. The final flurry of runs put Australia over 330, a score that denotes both high-quality performance and thoughtful strategy.

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India’s Challenge Ahead

India now faces difficulty in a pressure-infused chase under the scenario of knockout cricket. In order to respond with the bat, they need a solid start, partnerships and smart shot making against a disciplined Australian bowling attack that bowls well under scoreboard pressure.

Australia’s score of 338 was a result of an inclusive team effort and a strategy of patience at the start, acceleration at the end, and awareness throughout. To give themselves a chance of reaching the final, India will need focus and calm to get the job done.

The post Litchfield Leads Australia to 338 in World Cup Semifinal Against India appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

The Special Gesture from Her Father

Pratika said that her father, Pradeep Rawal, made special posters and banners for the match, but she did not know about it in advance. “I only found out about it today when my teammates told me,” she said. The banners congratulated key moments in the match, including her 50-run partnership with Smriti.

Performance Under Pressure: Rawal’s Century That Mattered

Prior to the World Cup, Rawal had received some flack for getting off to good starts, but not cashing in, so this century was thus perfectly timed. She said, “I am happy to be batting in a way that is helping the team to win matches.” Smiling when reflecting on the stakes of the World Cup, she said, “ICC trophies are very special in a player’s life.” Certainly, this innings helped not only to position India in the semifinals, but it was a big deal for Rawel and the team.

Looking Ahead: India’s Semi-Final Hopes

India will face Bangladesh for their final group match, before moving onto the semifinals. Playing at home, the Women in Blue hope to leverage local conditions. As Pratika said herself, “When I started this World Cup, I pictured myself playing semifinals and finals, so I am happy that I was able to make it to the semifinals.”

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Conclusion: A Story of Talent, Hard Work, and Family Support

Pratika Rawal’s first World Cup century and her father’s emotional support is a huge part of India’s inspirational story for the Women’s World Cup competition. Her performance strengthened India’s positioning, and embedded the emotional support behind the success of the country. As India moves on, the mixture of talent, hard work, and family support will be of utmost importance if they hope to come away with the title.

The post Pratika Rawal’s Maiden World Cup Century and Her Father’s Proud Gesture appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Match Details

India Women Preview

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is currently sitting at the 4th place in the table with mixed results in the first four games. After winning the first two matches, the team lost their next two games to South Africa and Australia. The bowling lineup of the team is a huge concern for the team now. The bowlers were unable to defend the good totals in back-to-back games. However, batting has been good in the first four games. Pratika Rawal is a leading run getter for the team with 180 runs in 4 innings, while Deepti Sharma took 9 wickets.

Predicted XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

England Women Preview

With 3 wins in 4 games, England Women are sitting in second position in the table. After winning three back-to-back matches against South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, their last match ended with no results due to rain. Notably, the team struggled in the last match against Pakistan. However, overall the team has played brilliant cricket and is looking solid in this match. Nat Sciver Brunt scored 153 runs in 4 innings, while Sophie Ecclestone is the 2nd highest wicket taker of the tournament.

Predicted XI: Amy Jones, Tammy Beumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith

India Women vs England Women Most Recent H2H

India vs England Pitch Report

The India W vs England W match in the Women’s World Cup 2025 will be played at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. The pitch here is often a batting-friendly surface.

India Women vs England Women Prediction: Who will win the 20th match?

The match is going to be an exciting contest between two solid teams. However, with the current form, a better-balanced squad, and a good bowling attack, England is expected to win the match.

The post Womens World Cup 2025: India vs England Prediction, Pitch Report, Preview, Streaming, and More appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Replacement Players and Team Adjustments

Josh Philippe is taking over the wicket-keeping duties from Inglis for the first ODI. Philippe played ODIs for Australia last in 2021 and is back for this vital role. Matt Kuhnemann, who has been performing strongly in domestic, comes in as the replacement spinner for Adam Zampa. Kuhnemann is a key option as a spinner in a subcontinent-type pitch.

Additionally, the other wicketkeeper in the squad, Alex Carey, will not be available for the first ODI to play in a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia to prepare for the coming Ashes series. As a result, most of wicketkeeping duties will fall to Philippe in the first ODI.

Read More: Alyssa Healy’s 142 Powers Australia Past India in World Cup Thriller

Series Schedule and Outlook

The schedule of the ODI series is:

• First ODI: October 19, Perth
• Second ODI: October 23, Adelaide
• Third ODI: October 25, Sydney

Australia’s squad and strategies will probably change as the series progresses according to casualty and personal circumstances. The management is focusing on player load management in preparation for future major events, such as the Ashes.

Impact on Australian Team and Series Anticipation

While Australia will miss the skill of Inglis and the experience of Zampa, it provides an opportunity for some ‘green’ players like Philippe and Kuhnemann to prove themselves on the international stage. India, buoyed by the return of experienced men, Kohli and Sharma, after sabbaticals from Test and T20 cricket, will be formidable opposition.

The post Australia Face Setbacks Ahead of ODI Series Against India appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Struggles Before the Match

Healy’s performance leading into the World Cup was patchy. In the pre-tournament ODI series against India, she was dismissed in three matches for 27, 9, and 30, all outs against Indian pace bowler Kranti Gaud. In the tri-series against New Zealand and Pakistan, she hardly improved, contributing scores of 19 and 20, often falling early in the powerplay. With all those struggles in the rearview mirror, Healy was determined and determined to change her story against India.

Strategic Approach to the Chase

Healy batted with aggression, but also with a degree of strategy. Whenever the chance arose, she took on India’s pace attack, but played defensively to left-arm spinner Sree Charani who was getting a significant amount of turn. Healy was able to scale the chase in an intelligent manner whilst making the chase of 331 runs realistic, making certain to put the focus on the faster bowlers rather than Charani. Healy’s sense of tactical awareness was a feature of her innings, where she first took a risk, and at other times showed restraint, especially at critical moments in her innings.

Read More: De Klerk’s Heroics Leave India Reeling in a Dramatic World Cup Clash

Conclusion

Sutherland actually created a little bit of a partnership there. Created some pressure, created some opportunities, and then Bellsy sort of cashed in at her end. So that was really cool. And I thought the bowling unit as a whole really hung in there, hung tough and created a whole heap in that back 10 to, like I said, restrict them in a way to 330, which is a little bit daunting, but I think did a great job at the back end, which was cool.”

The post Alyssa Healy’s 142 Powers Australia Past India in World Cup Thriller appeared first on Latest Sports News | Breaking News & Live Scores Today.

Big Match Moments: Australia Turns History

India’s first fall happens with South Africa, where the top batters do not play so well, and the team is not able to defend a good total. The real heartbreak arrived at Visakhapatnam, Australia, chased down the high score which was posted by India, making a record for the highest World Cup score by the Indian women’s team. Mandhana is scoring strongly, but the last seven overs saw only 36 runs as wickets went down one after one, and Australia captain Alyssa Healy made a special 142 to take away India’s hopes.

Qualification on Thin Ice

Now, after two consecutive losses, India’s possibility of reaching the semifinals is struggling but not completely gone. They are third in the group based on its earlier wins and has the added benefit of a better net run rate. As they face England and New Zealand on must-win occasions, a room for error does not exist. Should anything go wrong, India could be out.

Scrutiny and Strategic Rethink in Camp

Coach Amol Muzumdar and staff are thinking of changes, maybe sixth bowler inclusion or batting lineup changed for better flexibility. Australia attacked Indian bowlers, which made the previous five-bowler strategy show weakness. Bringing Radha Yadav and changing batting positions have started a debate between the management.

Read More: De Klerk’s Heroics Leave India Reeling in a Dramatic World Cup Clash

Next Steps and What’s at Stake

India has just a handful of matches left where they can show character; otherwise, elimination comes quickly. This means for the team to execute perfectly, get some new ideas, and for leadership to step up. The sooner the old problems are reintroduced, the sooner their dream of continuing in the World Cup will finish; otherwise, they will remain both a dream and in contention for the semifinals.

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