Everyone knows that there is a T-20 World Cup this year and a 50-over festival in 2023. But there is also an ODI World Cup in March this year, not many are aware of the same or have no interest whatsoever. This ignorance or lack of interest stems from the fact that the former championships involve men’s teams whereas the latter features women cricketers across the globe.
As is the wont, the euphoria or frenzy surrounding women’s cricket is almost non-existent however, champagnes have already been bought to bathe one another during the men’s tournament in Australia in October this year. These kinds of diverse reactions among the public force one to ask whether the ICC is doing enough to attain gender parity in cricket. Let us leave aside the aspect of indifference for the time being and get a bit up, close and personal with the talented women cricketers who can set the grounds in New Zealand on fire this time.
Shabnim Ismail (South Africa)
This dangerous pacer from the Rainbow Nation happens to be the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Women’s cricket and was also instrumental in beating both India and Pakistan recently. Just like her male counterparts such as Allan Donald and Dale Steyn, Ismail has the ability to instil fear in the minds of the opposition batters.
Claim To Fame
The fastest in the women’s cricket universe, she is rightly hailed as the “Demon” in the women’s sphere. Ismail can easily clock in 75 MPH on a consistent basis. She has the perfect attributes of a quickie and is one of the reasons why South Africa is considered a serious contender for this year’s title.
Shafali Verma (India)
As a child, she had cut her hair short to play cricket alongside boys as the patriarchal set-up she was part of had devised fixed responsibilities for girls with cricket falling strictly in the no-go zone. But Verma has come a long way since as in 2021 she was in perilous form against England, scoring 96 and 63, and even helped India reach the final of the T-20 World Cup in Australia.
What Makes Her Special?
The batting sensation is hailed as a “rockstar” for her hitting prowess and her flamboyance is similar to that of Virender Sehwag. On her day she can pulverize any bowler in the world and she happens to be a vital cog in the wheel of Indian batting currently.
Ellyse Perry (Australia)
Unarguably one of the best all-rounders in the Women’s domain, her exclusion from the T-20 national squad continues to mystify the cricket pundits/analysts across the world. After bursting onto the international arena in 2007, she has made substantial contributions in aiding Australia to lift five T-20 World Championships and an ODI World Cup (2013).
Why The Opponents Have To Be War Of Perry?
Her shock-axing from the T-20 squad recently has given her enough reasons to prove a point not only as a player but also to the selectors. So, in the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, she would be more than eager to show that she is an indispensable aspect of the team. The batting average of 50 in ODI with 3,206 runs from 121 matches only exemplifies her supreme abilities as a batter.
Amelia Kerris (New Zealand)
The Kiwi batter, currently, holds the record of the highest individual score (232 against Ireland 2018) in women’s ODI format. Kerris happens to be the pivot around which the New Zealand batting revolves around and she heads into the quadrennial event on the back of some prolific scores, 353 @117.7 against India recently. The fact that she scored these runs despite missing in action for the better part of 2021 only showcases the resilience she possesses.
What Sets Her Apart?
An exceptionally talented batter, she can change gears at will, implying that Kerris can play the role of a grafter as well as a hitter if need be. As a proverbial icing on the cake, she can occasionally roll her arm over as well for some handy leg breaks.
