Video: They're 'champions' too – presenting the Calypso queens who won the world on Sunday
The West Indies women's team won their first ever global title in any format in Kolkata.
As the cricketing world recovers from that thrilling World Twenty20 final in Kolkata on Sunday where Carlos Brathwaite hit four sixes in the final over to take the West Indies men's team to their second World Twenty20 title, it is important to ensure that another significant event of that day does not go unnoticed – on the same day and at the same ground a few hours earlier, their female counterparts won their first ever World Twenty20 title, defeating favourites Australia.
No one can grudge the men's team their success but for the West Indies women's team, it was arguably even more important. Unlike the male West Indian team who have enjoyed tremendous success in world cricket in the past, the women's team have mostly lived in their shadow. This was their first ever world title – their previous best at any world event was at the 2013 Women's World Cup where they finished runners-up.
Defeating Australia was a massive achievement. The "Southern Stars", as the Australian women's team are called, are among the strongest teams in women's cricket. They have won six 50-over World Cups and had also won the last three World Twenty20s played.
But against a determined West Indies, they stood no chance. West Indies achieved the tournament's second-highest chase, comprehensively chasing down a formidable 148/5 with eight wickets in hand, thanks to a sparkling 120-run opening partnership.
In fact, few would have even bet on them going so far after they qualified for the semi-finals with a last-gasp win over India. They faced New Zealand, who looked invincible and had strolled to the semi-finals after easily winning every match in the group stages. But in a close match at Mumbai, West Indies held their nerve and eked out a narrow six-run victory.
Possibly, the best moment of the tournament came after they won the title on Sunday, with the team celebrations combining as they all confirmed their status as champions.