Women’s World Cup 2017, Finals: 6 players who could be the match-winner for India against England

India v England, Women's World Cup 2017: The last time they reached this stage was in 2005, when they played South Africa in the finals

By: Ankit Banerjee |
July 23, 2017 12:40 pm

The women’s cricket team led by Mithali Raj is on a rampage, after defeating the defending champions Australia to secure a place for themselves in the finals. India will now take on hosts England for the ultimate glory, the world cup triumph. Team India has dropped just two matches on their way to the finals, against Australia and South Africa. This happens to be the second time that team India eves have reached the finals. The last time they reached this stage was in 2005, when they played against Australia and lost the match.

On the July 23, the six players who could swing the match in India’s favour are:

Harmanpreet Kaur: The 28-year-old has become the toast of the nation after her belligerent 171* off 115 balls. This innings is being hailed as one of the best by an Indian at the World knockout stage. Her innings was also great because it came against the defending champions. If she gets going she could win it for India.

Smriti Mandhana: She came to limelight with her brilliant 90-run knock against England and a well-made 106* against West Indies, but it seems that her form has faded away. One thing that goes in her favour is that she has shown the appetite for runs and that could help her get going against England.

Mithali Raj: The most renowned Indian batter, Raj has broken quite a few world records in this tournament. It might be her last World Cup match and hence she would be desperate to get a big score. Will her hunger prove to be agonizingly painful for England, only time will tell.

BRING IT ON! _@englandcricket _ @BCCIWomen
_ Sunday 23 July
_ 10:30am (BST)
_ ICC @cricketworldcup
_ @HomeOfCricket
#__ #ENGvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/OKvDFo7wx3

— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2017

Rajeshwari Gayakwad: She could be the trump card for India. Gayakwad replaced Ekta Bisht and picked up 5/15 against New Zealand. In the process, she recorded the best bowling figures in World Cup’s ever. In the final match, she can really spin a web and stifle the English batters.

ICYMI – Watch the highlights from @ImHarmanpreet‘s stunning 171* for India! #WWC17
WATCH: https://t.co/hvP4UDuVxf pic.twitter.com/qiKhPqkbxF

— ICC (@ICC) July 21, 2017

Ekta Bisht: She was the wrecker-in-chief for Pakistan. She could hold the key for India in the all-important finals, if she gets a game.

Super Kaur! 171* off 115 from @ImHarmanpreet powers India to 281/4 against Australia – enough for a spot in the final? #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/OrimWcR4CU

— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2017

Jhulan Goswami: Like Mithali, this could be Jhulan Goswami’s last appearance in a world cup match. She would desperately look to sign off on a high. Goswami is experienced and that could play the key in a big World Cup final. Goswami bowled the ball of the tournament picking up Meg Lanning for a duck in the semi-finals.