BCCI congratulates Mithali & Co. on reaching Women's WC final

Mumbai [India], July 21 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday congratulated the Indian women's cricket team after they clinched an astounding victory over Australia to reach the finals of the of the ICC Women's World Cup. All-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur struck a sensational, unbeaten 171 as India--the Women in Blue --stunned the defending champions by 36 runs to storm into the final of the prestigious 50-over tournament for the second time after 2005. 28-year-old Harmanpreet smashed 20 fours and seven sixes in her 115-ball knock as India posted a daunting score of 281/4 in 42 overs, after the match at the County Ground in Derby was reduced following heavy rain in the morning. 19-year-old spinner Deepti Sharma, pacers Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey then led the spirited show on the field before the champions were 245 all out in 40.1 overs. Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers as she took three wickets while Goswami and Pandey both picked two wickets each. "The BCCI would like to congratulate Ms. Mithali Raj and her team for showing consistency in their performances in the tournament so far. A special mention to all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a memorable knock (171* off 115 balls) and got the team through to the final," the BCCI said. Meanwhile, the country's cricket board also wished good luck to the team for the summit showdown against England which is to be held at the iconic Lord's on Sunday.(ANI)