From the simple things and a big upset kicking off proceedings to plenty of behind-the-stumps chatter, here are some key moments after the first five days of the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Throwback to the simple times
No DRS, not even a TV umpire in the group stage, a practice that has been in place for the men’s U-19 tournaments over the years, and players have happily accepted cricket in its imperfect form here in South Africa.
Umpires have a quick word with boundary riders on whether they have pulled the ball back or not, and even a batter who feels her foot was grounded on a close stumping call, accepts the umpire’s ‘out’ decision and walks off without complaint. A new batter promptly takes guard even before the previous one has crossed over the boundary cushions.
All of it put together means extraordinarily impressive over rates, at times even 18 per hour.
Of course, it won’t happen at the highest levels, and it shouldn’t when the stakes are higher and when the right call is more important than how long it takes to get it, but for all of cricket’s troubles with wasted time, there was a sweet feeling in a World Cup being played with such simplicity.
Bangladesh could well become the story of the World Cup
The heat after a historic hat-trick
South Africa were 43 for 6 at one stage in the game, against Scotland. They had already lost to India. They had to win here, else they would be staring at early elimination in a home tournament.
They somehow scrapped to 112 and were diving and catching everything to successfully defend the lowest score of the competition so far. The hat-trick happened and the feat found its way to the unforgiving world of social media, subject to ridicule for Landsman’s slow leg breaks.
That she screamed “Oh my god!” as she ran to her team-mates in celebration demonstrated her own disbelief. There will be more wonderful stories of innocence and celebration from these women in what is the first World Cup of its kind, so let’s be kind in response. Also, World Cup hat-tricks come in all shapes and forms. Just ask Steven Finn and Mohammed Shami.
Theertha’s Tamil
The utterances included: “paravale, nalla podre” [not bad, you’re bowling well] and “Apdiye thaan poinderu” [like this only, keep going] as well as “Vaishu, pinnadi lerndhu konduva” [Vaishu, bring it from behind – bowl a googly] and “Indu, konjam maari pottru” [Indu, just change it up slightly, do something different] and “Varum varum” [it’ll happen]. As it turns out, as many as 11 of the UAE’s 15-member squad were fluent in Tamil. India had none.
Theertha’s cricketing heroes include MS Dhoni and, true to her idol, she remained calm through the day, played some high-quality attacking shots, albeit in a brief innings, and said all the right things in the post-match presentation. “It was super exciting to play India,” she said. “We want to play the strongest sides because this is the only platform we have to face such teams, it’s not on a regular basis that we play cricket at this standard, and I’m pretty sure if we play such Test-playing teams and get the right practice, we’ll get up there. Watching Shafali and Richa [Ghosh] just shows us how much experience matters.”
A number of the UAE squad’s parents were in attendance. I had bumped into Theertha’s father earlier in the day and noticed he was paying close attention to his daughter’s interview at the presentation. He had the proudest smile on his face.
Karabo Meso, another talkative keeper
Sheikh offered a caught-and-bowled chance while on nought off ten balls, which was dropped by legspinner Seshnie Naidu, and the next ball saw an appeal for lbw turned down. “She’s tired of this, Sesh, she wants to give up, she wants to give up,” came the commentary. “Sesh, I told you she’s tired, I told you. Just give us your wicket, man, I’m ready.”
Scotland were eventually bowled out for 68. Meso took the last catch, on a day where she had the last word, among many others, too.
And another thing…
Also, a shout out to everyone involved with dismissal No. 9, on the fourth ball of the last over, Pakistan vs Rwanda in Potchefstroom.
And to umpire Virender Sharma for giving it out instantly.
No checking with square leg, no review petition before the fielding captain on whether the appeal stands. And somehow everyone still seemed to enjoy themselves for the rest of the afternoon, as if the spirit of the game remained intact.
Raunak Kapoor, ESPNcricinfo’s Deputy Editor – Video and Lead Presenter, is part of the commentary team for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.
Raunak Kapoor is a presenter for ESPNcricinfo. @RaunakRK
