Like many other people, i follow women's cricket only during world cups and especially if they make it to the knockouts. There is a sense of relatability and grounded nature to their matches and somehow the level of passion which they display on field shows more strongly and expressive than men's version. For every single victorious step - be it a wicket or a boundary or a six - leave alone a century or half - it only shows the effort and struggles that would've gone behind each of those actions which would be several times more than the men's version. Not to belittle their challenges or to show up the ladies. They may've their own problems and expectations and stumbling blocks which could be quite different than what their lady fellow mates may suffer. But there is something that comes out extra and makes the heart bit more warmer to see them celebrate their victories, however small or big they be. It feels like - justified - deserved - and several other better words than these to see them win and that too at the highest level.
Whenever Aussies are on a roll, the clarion call is to setup a clash with India. They've been the demon slayers across formats and segregations and no wonder Aussies get riled up when it comes to playing India. This time the girls didn't just beat the all conquering Aussies who were on an unbeaten run across several world cups but they went one step more and conquered the final as well. The best part was what they did after winning the cup - by pulling Mithali, Julan and other senior players to hold the trophy. Something that the men's team can learn. Julan Goswami and Mithali have been 2 constants in Women's cricket and they deserved every adulation and joy and celebration along with the rest. Harmanpreet is as flamboyant as a Rohit or Virat and Smriti is definitely right up there to claim Virat's role in women's cricket. A very happy moment and if Jio Hotstar's numbers are to be believed, almost 30% of India saw the final in the app alone!! More power to the girls and wishing more such victories in future.
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Let me also recommend you the Indian women's hockey team. It is a much less elitist or glamorous sport. The team is entirely made of women outside of metros - everybody is from either small towns or villages. SalimaTete, India's current captain hails from a village in Jharkand. The capital of Indian hockey is Orissa. The team has amazing spirit. They are just outside the top level in the world, but overperform at the Olympics. Not one name is a household name, but together they will give there heart out when they play for the country.
Watch a India hockey game Gilsu. I am sure someday it will be on Hotstar !!