The men’s cricket World Cup is just a few days away and the hosts England will start as one of the favorites despite the fact that they have not won the trophy ever. But their women counterparts have performed much better and have four 50-over World Cups in their name. They are also the current holder of the trophy after beating India in the 2017 final at Lords.
On this day, 22nd March in 2009 they won their third cricket World Cup trophy by beating New Zealand in the final at Sydney. It was a thoroughly dominated display by England who beat India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and New Zealand and lost only one match to Australia. The final was a one-sided affair with Nicki Shaw taking 4 for 34 as England won by four wickets. Claire Taylor was the player of the series with her 324 runs with an average of 64.80. It was a stunning performance which made her the first woman to be part of Wisden’s list of five cricketers of the year in their long 120-year history.
This was part of a great time in the journey of England women’s cricket. It all started during their 2008 tour to Australia where they won the women’s Ashes by winning the solitary test, thanks to Isha Guha’s nine wickets.
Then came the 2009 50-over World Cup win which was followed by another triumph at the inaugural women’s Twenty-20 world championship. In another dominating performance, they qualified for the final easily by clearing their group and beating Australia in the semi-final. Their final opposition was again New Zealand and a spell of 3 for 6 by the fast bowler Katherine Brunt ensured that New Zealand was bowled out for 88. England got another easy win. Interestingly Claire Taylor was the player of the series in this tournament also.
The England Women’s team and the captain Charlotte Edwards completed a very successful year when they retained the Ashes by drawing the one-off test. The credit goes to Brunt’s seven-wicket and a solid batting display from Beth Morgan.
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