This can be a cricket article however we’re going to begin with some golf.
Earlier than a ball had been hit finally week’s Ryder Cup in New York, there was an amazing feeling that this was Europe’s greatest likelihood in ages to win in america.
A proficient squad, and inspirational captain in Luke Donald, did simply that, quelling a brave fightback from USA on the ultimate day at Bethpage earlier than toasting away success for the primary time since 2012.
Which brings us to the cricket.
Causes for India to be optimistic
Earlier than a ball has been hit on the 2025 Girls’s World Cup, there may be an amazing feeling that that is India’s greatest likelihood but to win the event for the primary time after runners-up finishes in 2005 and 2017.
Like Staff Europe, they’ve a proficient squad and inspirational captain – Harmanpreet Kaur is their chief – however not like Staff Europe they’ve residence benefit.
That’s both out-and-out residence benefit or matches in Sri Lanka.
While you add in that India’s gamers are actually used to performing in entrance of massive and fervent crowds on the Girls’s Premier League – the feminine model of the juggernaut that’s the Indian Premier League – and have had current success in opposition to World Cup favourites Australia and perennial contenders England, that solely boosts their perception.
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is a punchy participant down the order for India
Harmanpreet’s facet defeated England 3-2 in T20 worldwide cricket and 2-1 in ODIs this summer time, whereas they’ve simply inflicted a heaviest ODI beatdown on girls’s cricket’s benchmark facet Australia, triumphing by 107 runs, earlier than threatening to drag off a profitable chase of 413 in opposition to the identical opposition days later.
Australia will in all probability be at their greatest within the World Cup; it is what they do, successful seven of the 12 ODI variations up to now in addition to six of the 9 T20 editions. However India are coming.
The batting is an actual energy with the ability of Harmanpreet, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh supporting the magnificence of Smriti Mandhana – who smoked a 50-ball century in opposition to Australia on September 20 – and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Sky Sports activities Cricket commentator Charles Dagnall stated: “I thought India were a fabulous side when they came over to England. Full of focus, full of talent and very well led by a real alpha figure in Harmanpreet.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is a superb chief, says Sky Sports activities’ Charles Dagnall
“Their fielding was outstanding, really on it, wanting the ball to come to them and saving a hell of a lot of runs. They also have so many batters in that top seven that are a threat, players who can win you a game and who have won games.
“There are only a few weak hyperlinks. I do fear somewhat about their bowling assault, which I believe is missing somewhat little bit of one thing. However that is their time and they’re primed.”
Will Goud and Deepti fire for India?
One pitfall, perhaps, is dealing with expectation from home supporters, although Dagnall believes India can cope.
“They know they’re facet and that lots is anticipated, but when they’ve that perception in themselves they are going to be a extreme menace to an Australia facet with each field ticked.
“I think they will cope better from playing in front of excitable, expectant crowds in the WPL. That tournament has galvanised and unearthed a wealth of young talent.”
Kranti Goud has added spark to India’s bowling line-up
A type of younger skills is seam bowler Kranti Goud, whose maiden WPL marketing campaign in 2025 included cleansing up former Australia captain Meg Lanning for her first wicket throughout a glowing haul of 4-25.
Goud, 22, went on to play in opposition to England, choosing up 6-52 in Durham, earlier than placing thrice when India inflicted that report hammering on Australia final month.
Hold an eye fixed out for her swinging deliveries and devastating yorkers on the World Cup.
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Watch Deepti Sharma’s trendy, Rishabh Pant-esque six throughout this summer time’s collection win in England
For Dagnall, although, India’s most necessary participant is all-rounder Deepti – a star with the bat, an important a part of the bowling assault together with her off-spin and electrical within the subject.
He added: “She brings so much and when she is herself with the bat, when the handbrake is off, there are not many that can bowl at her. She has shots 360 degrees.
“Typically she performs a bit inside herself, nearly a bit ‘what occurs if I do that and it goes unsuitable?’ However most instances the handbrake is off she does brilliantly.”
Watch the Women’s Cricket World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket in full, up to and including the final on Sunday November 2. India face fellow co-hosts Sri Lanka in the opening game on Tuesday (10.30am first ball). Stream contract-free with NOW.
