ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017 – Top moments of Day 13
India v Pakistan
Ekta Bisht and Veda Krishnamurthy were the protagonists in India Women’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan Women in the last Super Six match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2017 at the P Sara Oval on Sunday (February 19). They combined to produce one of the moments of the day.
Pakistan had already lost six wickets before the start of the 30th over when Bisht, off the fifth ball of her sixth over, got Sana Mir to first come forward and then go on the back foot to play the cut shot.
The ball took the edge and went to the left of Veda Krishnamurthy at first slip. She dived to take a one-handed catch on the second attempt and then ran towards square-leg to celebrate.
Stunning diving slip catch from Veda Krishnamurthy
It was Veda’s second good catch at slip in the innings, and Bisht’s third wicket. Bisht did not concede a run in her last five overs to finish with career-best analysis of 10-7-8-5.
She became the ninth Indian to take 50 ODI wickets, and the seventh to record a five-wicket haul as India remained the only undefeated team in the tournament ahead of the final against South Africa Women on February 21.
Sri Lanka v Bangladesh
Chasing 198, Bangladesh needed to knock off the runs in around 27 overs if it wanted to pip Sri Lanka to the final ICC Women's World Cup 2017 spot. The batters began with a bang, but under skies that began cloudy and turned grey, the sense of urgency only increased and the batters lost quick wickets. They couldn't keep up with the asking rate.
The rain came down when Bangladesh was 68 for 5 after 21 overs, and there were some nervous moments for both teams as they waited. The rain gods, fortunately, had been merciful in staying away at least until the 20th over, the minimum required for a result if play is called off, and Sri Lanka was eventually declared winner by 42 runs.
But, even as it pelted down over the Nondescript Cricket Club ground, completely at odds with the mood of theday, a group of Sri Lankan supporters continued their lively dancing unperturbed. In fact, the band took it up a notch and changed the atmosphere at the ground.
It was a special picture of celebration, a reminder of the joy cricket brings to people. And with the four World Cup teams decided, it also seemed like a perfect way to bring down the curtain on a well fought group and Super Six stage.