Australia's cricket prowess was on full display as they clinched their third consecutive ICC Women's Championship title. The team's 75-run victory over New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington marked the end of a 24-match campaign that saw them amass an unassailable 39 points. The Australian team, led by Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield, showcased their batting prowess with an 88-run opening stand. Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner further bolstered the team's position with contributions of 42 and 74 runs respectively, setting a formidable total of 290 for their opponents.
New Zealand, despite a promising start, was unable to maintain momentum after the dismissals of Suzie Bates and Melie Kerr. Australia's bowlers, led by Sutherland and Alana King, took control of the game, bowling out the White Ferns for 215. This victory not only solidifies Australia's reputation as a dominant force in women's cricket but also has significant implications for other teams.
New Zealand, currently sitting in the final automatic qualification spot for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, now faces uncertainty. With only 21 points from 24 matches, they are vulnerable to being overtaken by Bangladesh or the West Indies. If overtaken, New Zealand will have to compete in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, where six teams vie for the last two tournament spots.
Australia's victory also secures an automatic World Cup spot for Sri Lanka, who can no longer be displaced by teams with games in hand. This is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, demonstrating the ripple effects of Australia's success on the global cricket stage. The Australian team's success is reminiscent of their previous victories in the 2014–16 and 2017–20 cycles of the ICC Women's Championship. They remain the only team to have won the championship, a testament to their consistent performance and dominance in the sport.
In other cricket news, India's women's team also had a successful run in the T20 World Cup 2024, demolishing Sri Lanka by 82 runs. The Indian team's performance was marked by strong batting and bowling, with notable contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh. Meanwhile, in the men's game, Afghanistan made history by defeating Bangladesh to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. This victory marked a significant milestone for Afghanistan, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of cricket globally.
In the world of Paralympics, India achieved a historic milestone at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, winning their 25th medal. Kapil Parmar made history by winning India's first-ever Para Judo medal at the Paralympics, defeating Elielton de Oliveira of Brazil. This achievement is a testament to India's growing prowess in the Paralympic Games.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city of Paris showcased its ability to host a memorable Summer Games. The event was marked by stunning visuals and classical trappings, setting a high bar for future host cities. The Games also saw notable performances from athletes across various sports, including swimming, rowing, and tennis.
