'Proud of our girls for their spirit' - Jay Shah lauds India Women for their efforts against Australia in the semi-finals

Jay Shah-India (source: Twitter)

India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the semi-final of the Women’s 20-20 World Cup 2023 on Thursday, February 23. Australia Women cruised to the final of the mega event with a 5-run victory in a thrilling encounter between two powerhouses of world cricket at the Newlands Cricket Ground. India Women came close to victory after heroics from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, but unfortunately neither could lead the team home.

Even as India's wait for the World Cup continues, Indian Cricket Board Secretary Jay Shah has praised Team India's efforts against Australia. "A tough loss for @BCCIWomen against Australia in the #ICCWomensT20WorldCup, but we couldn't be prouder of our girls for their spirit on the field. The team gave it their all & showed that they are true warriors. We stand with you, Women in Blue! #INDWvsAUSW," Jay Shah tweeted.

Here is Jay Shah's tweet

A tough loss for @BCCIWomen against Australia in the #ICCWomensT20WorldCup, but we couldn't be prouder of our girls for their spirit on the field. The team gave it their all & showed that they are true warriors. We stand with you, Women in Blue! #INDWvsAUSW

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 23, 2023

A terrible start to the chasing innings led to India's defeat. Chasing 173, the Women in Blue lost three wickets before the end of the powerplay. Opener Shafali Verma returned to the pavilion for 9 before Smriti Mandana was dismissed by Ashley Gardner for 2. India were in a spot of bother soon after their star batter got out, but Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah tried to rebuild Team India. However, it remained an effort as Yastika had to return to the pavilion after being run out for just four runs.

India were 28/3 in 3.4 overs, but at the end of the Powerplay after six overs India were 59/3, thanks to a wonderful partnership between Kaur and Jemimah. The duo brought up their 50-run partnership in just 31 balls. When things were going well for India, Darcie Brown gave Australia a breakthrough by dismissing Jemimah for 43 off 24 balls.

India hoped Kaur would take them to the final as the captain looked incredible as she hit his 10th T20I half-century with six fours and a six off just 32 balls. However, fate favoured the Kangaroos as Kaur was dismissed for 52 runs in a bizarre run-out. India lost the match at that moment as they needed 38 runs in the last four overs. The rest of the batters couldn't do much, and as a result, India fell short by 5 runs.