PM hails Indian women cricket team's performance in World Cup

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight hailed the Indian women cricket team for its performance in the World Cup final which it lost, saying the players gave their best.

Modi, who had wished the team luck before today's final match against England, said the India players had shown "remarkable tenacity and skill" through the World Cup.

"Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity & skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team," the prime minister tweeted.

Chasing a victory target of 229 runs, the Indian team lost to England by 9 runs in the one-day match played in London.

Before the match, the prime minister posted a number of tweets, conveying his best wishes to the team and the players individually.

"As our women's cricket team plays the World Cup finals today, I join the 125 crore Indians in wishing them the very best," he tweeted before the match began.

An avid social media user, the prime minister then posted several other tweets, tagging players as well, to express his best wishes while also speaking about the strengths of the players.

"Captain Mithali Raj has been leading from the front. Her cool approach to the game shall surely help the entire team," he said in a post.

He had special praise for Harmanpreet Kaur whose masterly innings in the match against Australia had propelled India into the finals.

"Who is not a fan of Harmanpreet Kaur? Her stellar innings in semi finals will always be remembered. Do your best today!" he wrote.

In one tweet, Modi referred to Smriti Mandhana who has had a steller tournament.

"All the best @mandhana_smriti! Have a great game out there and play with calm and poise," he said.
In his next tweet, Modi wished the very best to Poonam Raut. "Her game makes all of us very proud," he said.

He also wished good luck to Deepti Sharma saying she added "immense value to the team" and her game has changed the course of many matches.

Modi also praised the "experienced" Veda Krishnamurthy, saying she gave a much needed stability to the middle order and wished her success.

He also lauded wicket keeper Sushma Verma. "Verma plays the important role of the wicket keeper. Remember, catches win matches," he said.

In another tweet, the prime minister referred to veteran Jhulan Goswami.

"Jhulan Goswami is India's pride, whose wonderful bowling helps the team in key situations. All the best Jhulan," he said.

Modi also said that Shikha Pandey's "all round performances" are crucial to the team and wished her luck.

He also conveyed his best wishes for Poonam Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

Yadav's fantastic bowling can be lethal for even the best batsmen, he said and added that Gayakwad is known for her economic bowling performances.