ICC Women's World Cup Final, Preview: India Aim To Overcome English Challenge Once Again

When India took on home favourites England in their opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup about a month ago, they had come into the tournament on a winning note. Not only had they won their last four ODI series, they had defeated South Africa in the final of the qualifier and the quadrangular series. But captain Mithali Raj had remained cautious. "We need to start fresh again in the World Cup," she had said. Cut the scene to a month later and India women are on the verge of making history. Come June 23, they will once again take on the home team they had beaten by 35 runs at Derby, but the venue this time will be Lord's.

The India team's run at the World Cup has been terrific so far. They've reached the final for the second time and are looking to win their maiden title against thrice winners England. They've beaten tough teams such as Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand en route while specific members have gone on to make impressive records.

Though England hold a numerical advantage of having beaten India six out the 10 times the teams have met in the World Cup, one can't discount India's recent run in the tournament.

While Mithali crossed the 6000-run mark and also became the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs, Ekta Bisht and Rajeshwari Gayakwad's five-wicket hauls against Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively, have helped India's results immensely. While Smriti Mandhana's early knocks of 90 against England and a century against the West Indies propelled India's first two wins, she's failed to replicate the form since.

However, the name on everyone's lips at the moment is that of Harmanpreet Kaur, whose stunning unbeaten 171 outclassed former champions Australia in the semi-finals.

India need to keep the winning momentum going to be able to lift their maiden World Cup. If they win, they'll only become the fourth nation to ever win the World Cup.

For the statistically minded, Mithali has scored more runs against England in ODIs than any other player (1605) while both teams have one ODI victory over the other at Lord's.

The toss will also play an important part in the final. As seen in the tournament so far, the team chasing always has more pressure to deal with.

So, can the 'Women In Blue' overcome the English challenge once again to win their maiden World Cup? The answer will be declared on Sunday.