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England play India in the final of the first Women’s U19 T20 World Cup on Sunday and, ahead of the match, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton discuss how far the women’s game has come in recent years.
England are unbeaten on their way to Sunday’s final and beat Australia in the last four in dramatic fashion on Friday.
In a low-scoring thriller at Senwes Park, England were bowled out for just 99. In response, Australia only mustered 96 runs after a fantastic bowling performance from England.
England won a thrilling semi-final against Australia by just three runs
Hannah Baker, who took three wickets and was named player of the match, was the pick of the bowlers, but the entire England bowling attack made important contributions.
Talk to Sky Sports after the match, Baker said he was “buzzing” after the victory but attention will quickly turn to Sunday’s final.
“We are all buzzing but we can’t wait for the final. I hope we will bring it to the front,” she said.
“I was literally shaking for the last five overs. But I guess it’s about trying to keep that composure, and we did that really well. I’m over the moon. I’ll get a lot of confidence from today. I hope I can do it again against India.
“Last night (Wednesday) we watched the stars and tomorrow (Saturday) we will star again just to focus our minds.”
Women’s cricket is in a ‘special’ place
England will be hoping to lift the trophy in their inaugural competition and Baker is enjoying his first international tournament experience.
“It’s been great, all the coaches are back, all the players,” he added. “Being offensive, and having that mindset, made us ruthless and hopefully that will help us win on Sunday.
“I have a lot of pride that comes with wearing the England badge and the noise the crowd made today is ridiculous, but just embrace it and take a moment to embrace it all. Hopefully, one day, I will play for the senior team.”
With the announcement of The Hundred fixtures and the Women’s IPL earlier this week, Baker, who was the youngest player in the Welsh Fire team last year, is hoping to play more franchise cricket as she looks to continue her development.
“Players can focus on cricket, instead of having a side job or going to university, it will only develop the game more. For everyone to look at the role model, it’s not what I do and it’s pretty special,” she said.
“I want to get picked in The Hundred again and have a good domestic season. Hopefully, I’ll take a lot of wickets and have fun. I’ve learned a lot. [in The Hundred]I have learned how to deal with pressure with different plans for different batters.
“It’s an incredible opportunity [in the Women’s IPL]. It gives more chance for franchises to pick players up and make cricket a real job, instead of having it as a side job.
“I always love playing abroad, it’s my first tour too and it’s amazing. You learn a lot from that pitch compared to England. Hopefully, one day, I can play in the BBL or the IPL.”
Sunday 29 January 11:45
‘IPL is the last game’
After the match, Hussain and Atherton praised the English team for their improbable victory.
Players who have featured in South Africa will have half an eye on the senior team, and both Hussain and Atherton believe cricket is now a viable career for women.
“This is the beginning of the road, and the final game will be the Women’s IPL. There are great careers available to many of these girls, or there will be, which is great,” Atherton said.
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Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton discuss the impact of franchise cricket on the game and what needs to happen to see a better future for the sport.
Hussain added: “It’s been a long time, the changes have come a long time. The standards we saw with The Hundred, we see broadcasters want now.
“The game changer for the players has been the announcement of the Women’s IPL. At the moment, they are loving every minute.”
On January 25, the Indian Cricket Board confirmed the five franchises that will compete in the inaugural IPL.
Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Lucknow have been announced as the five successful host cities, with their respective owner bids totaling £465m, including a top bid of around £128m from the Adani Group for the Ahmedabad franchise.
Among the owners are the five entities currently overseeing the Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore IPL franchises before the T20-style tournament begins in March.
Watch the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final live on Sky Sports Mix from 11.45am on Sunday.
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