Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli was in awe of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team after the latter registered a dominating win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 opener. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India secured a 7-wicket win over Bismah Maroof's Pakistan to begin their T20 World Cup campaign on a high. In response to Pakistan’s 149/4, Jemimah Rodrigues smashed a fifty while Rich Ghosh too played an instrumental 31-run knock as the pair guided the Women in Blue home.
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Meanwhile, Kohli was all praise for the Indian team as he claimed that such a victory will have a greater impact on all the young girls watching the game back home. The legendary batter took to social media and posted a picture of the Indian women’s team along with a heartfelt caption, applauding them for their efforts in taking women’s sports to newer heights in the nation.
“What a win from our women’s team against Pakistan in a high-pressure game and a tough run chase. The women’s team is taking such giant leaps ahead with every tournament we play and it’s going to inspire a whole generation of girls to take up the sport and take women’s cricket higher and higher. More to all of you. God Bless,” Virat Kohli tweeted.
Check out Kohli’s tweet.
Speaking of the match, Pakistan had a topsy-turvy ride in the first innings, but skipper Bismah Maroof (68 off 55) and Ayesha Naseem (43 off 25) played valiant knocks in the middle to post a competitive total of 149 on the board. Meanwhile, 22-year-old left-arm orthodox, Radha Yadav picked up two wickets for Team India.
In response, Team India had a solid start as the openers - Yastika Bhatia (17 off 20) and Shafali Verma (33 off 25) added 38 runs for the first wicket. Meanwhile, Rodrigues* scored a crucial 53 while Richa Ghosh's* 31 too came at the right time for the Women in Blue.
Jemimah Rodrigues was adjudged Player of the Match for her incredible knock. Team India will next take on West Indies Women on February 15 at Newlands, Cape Town.