ICC Women's World Cup 2022: All you need to know
What's the story
The 2022 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup will kick off on March 4 in New Zealand. NZ Women will lock horns with West Indies at the Bay Oval in Tauranga in the tournament opener. Two massive rivalries will also get renewed during the first set of games, with England facing Australia on March 5 and India squaring off against Pakistan on March 6.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Women's fifty overs World Cup is one of the oldest ICC tournaments. The first edition of the Women's World Cup was played in 1973, two years before the inaugural men's World cup in 1975. England won the first Women's World Cup on points. Australia finished as runner-up. The Indian women's cricket team is yet to get their hands on the coveted trophy.
England
The reigning champions
England Women are the reigning World Cup champions. They won the previous edition of the tournament in 2017 by defeating India in the final by nine runs at the iconic Lord's stadium They reached the summit clash by defeating South Africa in the semi-final. They finished the league stage as table toppers with 12 points in their kitty from seven games.
Winners
Previous Women's World Cup winners
Australia are the most successful team in the tournament, having won the prestigious event on six occasions. They won their maiden title in 1978. Australia's next five victories came in 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, and 2013. England are the second most successful side in the competition. England have won four titles - 1973, 1993, 2009, and 2017. NZ won their maiden title in 2000.
Players
Players to watch out for
Australia's Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, and Megan Schutt are among the top players who could make serious impact. England's Sophie Ecclestone, Natalie Sciver, and Tammy Beaumont are among the players who could finish the tournament as the Player of the World Cup. New Zealand' Sophie Devine can be immense for the White Ferns. Flamboyant Shafali Verma could be the standout performer from India.
India
India's performance in the World Cup
India have made nine appearances in fifty overs World Cup with the first one coming in 1978. They are yet to win a WC title but have finished runners-up twice in 2005 (losing to Australia) and 2017 (losing to England). India have reached the semi-finals on three occasions - 1997, 2000, and 2009. In 2020, India reached their maiden T20 World Cup final too.
Fixtures
A look at India's schedule
India will start their World Cup campaign against bitter rival Pakistan on March 6 at the Bay Oval, Tauranga. India will be up against NZ on March 10 before facing West Indies on March 12. Thereafter, they will play England (March 16) and Australia (March 19). India will face Bangladesh (March 22) and South Africa (March 27) in their last two group stage games.
Data
Telecast and live-streaming
The Star Sports network has the broadcasting rights for the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup in India. India's games will also get televised on DD National. The live-streaming of the same will be available on Disney+ Hotstar as well as on JioTV.