On this day in 2009: England Women win their third 50-over World Cup
22nd March 2009 is an important day in England cricket history. It was on this day that the girls from England created history by winning the Women’s 50-over World Cup for the third time by beating the New Zealand Women by 4 wickets in the summit clash at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
On the day of the final, the New Zealand Women won the toss and decided to wield their willows first. The Black Caps could never get going, and lost wickets on a regular basis. In fact, not a single Kiwi batswoman could even score a half-century, as the New Zealand Women huffed and puffed their way to a total of 166. And, if not for Lucy Doolan’s 48 off 57 deliveries lower down the order, the Kiwis would have not even reached a total of 150. Right arm pacer Nicky Shaw was the pick of the bowlers for the England side. Shaw bowled 8.2 overs, gave away 34 runs and scalped 4 wickets for her side.
The England women started the run chase in scintillating fashion. The legendary Sarah Taylor and Caroline Atkins put on a sedate partnership of 74 runs for the first wicket. After that, even though the Kiwis managed to pick up some quick wickets, the England Women were always in control of the match. Nicky Shaw’s handy 17* lower down the order allowed the Charlotte Edwards-led side to cruise to a four-wicket victory.
Lucy Doolan was the star performer with the ball for the Kiwis. The right-arm spinner took 3 wickets in her quota of 10 overs and gave away just 23 runs. Apart from Doolan, Aimee Watkins also picked up a couple of wickets and gave away 28 runs in 9 overs. Nicky Shaw won the Player of the Match award for her 4-wicket haul in the summit clash.
As far as the Women’s fifty over World Cup is concerned, Australia and England have exhibited total domination. Out of the 11 editions of the Women’s fifty-over World Cup thus far, Australia and England have managed to win 10 of them.
