In what is set to be the most watched game in women’s World Cup history, hosts England take on India in the final on Sunday in front of a sell out crowd at the home of cricket, Lord’s.
Both sides have had a tremendous tournament so far with England going on a seven-match winning run to make the final while India have beaten their higher ranked opponents and defending champions Australia on their way to Lord’s.
We look at three key protagonists for both the sides ahead of what should be a hard fought battle for the Women’s World Cup trophy.
Do not be fooled by the smiling demeanour of the English wicketkeeper. The 2014 ICC ODI Women’s cricketer of the year is as lethal behind the stumps as she is in front of it.
During Taylor’s career best knock of 147 against South Africa in the round robin stage, she showed her range of shots. The paddle sweeps in her repertoire could be a powerful weapon against the spin threat from India.
Her quick reflexes behind the stumps were on display in the semi-final when she pulled off a sublime stumping to send Trisha Chetty back to the pavilion.
🤔 Is there a better wicket-keeper in world cricket than @sarah_taylor30?
— Lord's Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 21, 2017
Can't wait to see her at Lord's on Sunday. #LoveLords pic.twitter.com/W5OsG7nWWc
The Surrey born Wilson is still a newcomer to international cricket and would not have been in the reckoning for the final if not for an injury to Lauren Winfield ahead of match against India in the round robin stage.
The replacement went on to score a 75 ball 81 for the English in a losing cause and she will be looking to for a repeat against India.
Wilson has carried over the form she showed against India in Derby and her crucial 30 against South Africa in a nail-biting semifinal was important in England getting over the line.
The Japanese-born all rounder has been in fine touch this tournament having already scored two centuries in this edition of the World Cup.
Her inventive shot to guide a leg stump yorker through her legs to the boundary in the round robin match against New Zealand caught the imagination of cricket lovers with the shot now being called a ‘Natmeg’.
Her slow right arm seamers have been called on from time to time by skipper Heather Knight to slow down the opposition.
With a batting average over 44 and a bowling average of 23 in 40 ODI’s, Sciver will have an important role to play.
Yusss day made!!How cool is that #Natmeg #Natsciver this shot has grown from Fetus to adult now #WWC17 #Lordscalling pic.twitter.com/crA7vxUmTQ
— malavika (@malavika21) July 18, 2017
The all rounder from Punjab transformed into a star overnight in her country after her belligerent unbeaten innings of 171 runs off just 115 deliveries in the semi-final win over the Aussies.
The outspoken Harmanpreet hit the bowlers to all parts of the ground in the third highest individual score ever in women’s ODI history and probably the best innings seen in a World Cup.
Kaur had scored a valuable 60 in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand and has peaked at just the right time for Mithali Raj’s India. Her handy off spinners will be called on against England and Raj will be hoping the all-rounder can bring her ‘A’ game to the final.
The greatest innings in ODI history?
— ICC (@ICC) July 22, 2017
Watch @ImHarmanpreet light up #WWC17 with a sensational 171* off just 115 balls pic.twitter.com/KNO3KQFecW
The loopy leg-spinners of Yadav have fetched her nine wickets already in the tournament.
Her wicket taking ability along with her miserly economy rate have made Yadav the go-to bowler for Raj.
Though she had an off day against Australia in the semi-final, she will be fired up to make amends on Sunday. If she can tie down one end at Lord’s , it will make the task easier for India.
England will be looking to attack Yadav early to prevent her from settling into her rhythm and this could play into the hands of Yadav and her legbreaks.
The veteran leader of India’s seam bowling attack has a plethora of experience with a 163 ODI’s to her name. Goswami and Raj are the only two surviving members of the squad which finished runners-up in the 2005 World Cup.
With no other member of the bowling attack having experienced a World Cup final, Goswami’s leadership will be of vital importance.
She came up with the ball of the tournament to shatter the stumps of Meg Lanning in the semi-final to dent Aussie hopes in their reply to India’s 281.
If Goswami can make some early breakthroughs on Sunday, it will go a long way in putting India on the path to victory.
it's not often you see this - the number one ranked batter #MegLanning out for a duck! #AUSvIND #WWC17
— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2017
WATCH: https://t.co/obWnfodPGk pic.twitter.com/OI4I3IiNwC
