Kol cheers for Blues, in clubs, malls & at Navi Mumbai stadiumBlues lose but win hearts from Kol paras to Navi Mumbai stadium
Times of India | 3 November 2025
Kolkata: On the big night, the Women in Blue battled hard and cruised along to a big total seeking glory in the World Cup final on Sunday, even as Kolkata fans cheered every run, every boundary and six, egging on Harmanpreet Kaur & Co.
After a brilliant semi-final victory spurred by Jemima Rodrigues' heroic inning, expectations were high as fans gathered in front of TVs across homes, clubs, malls and pubs. The city came to a virtual standstill in the evening as everyone followed the score and prayed for a much-awaited ‘1983 moment' for the women.
As bowlers started putting up a brave show, fans across the city kept their fingers crossed, hoping that the Women in Blue will exorcise the ghosts of 2005 and 2017.
Kolkata started cheering for Team India right from the start of the match on Sunday evening with bursting of crackers and get-togethers at home. "Women's cricket has finally matched the popularity of men's," said a cricket enthusiast in the city.
And die-hard cricket fans were more keen on the women's match on Sunday, even though the men's team defeated Australia in a T20 game. It was the prolific
and swashbuckling opener Shafali Varma who got India off to a flyer after a delayed start, adding more than 100 runs in 18 overs.
They hit Marizanne Kapp and her girls all over the park, setting the tone for the day. Women's cricket's poster-girl Mandhana notched up a gritty 45 and got out just as she looked good for more.
Shopping malls, neighbourhood clubs, several restaurants and nightclubs were thronged by fans eager to witness a famous victory. "It was a perfect start and Indian women deserved all the praises. We had families and groups dropping in to watch the match over food and drinks.
Footfalls remained high till the end of the match, even as home deliveries swelled," said Chapter 2 owner Shiladitya Chaudhury.
Techie Souvik Basu, who watched the match at home with friends, said the women's team has proved they are just as good as the men. "They had come very close to winning the cup in 2017 and this time, they staged a spectacular turnaround after losing three matches. The girls batted and bowled out of their skin and did us proud.
Now, cricket-lovers like me will idolise Mandhana, Varma and Rodrigues just as we admire Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli," said Basu.
A loud cheer went up at a Chetla club as Jemimah Rodrigues walked in to bat. Every time she clipped the ball for a single, locals gathered in a front of giant TV screen clapped. Silence descended as Harmanpreet Kaur lost her wicket.
Kolkata entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi, who had travelled to Dubai for the Asia Cup in Sept, watched Sunday's contest at home with friends.
"The women played grittily and got off to a good start. Shafali Varma provided the perfect launchpad with her strokeplay and others followed. Everyone has been following the matches keenly," said Punjabi, adding that WhatsApp groups have been buzzing with excitement around the final.
Many from Kolkata flew to Mumbai for the match. "They enjoyed the match thoroughly even though it was a bit rushed. I have never seen such craze for women's cricket before," said Manav Soni of the Travel Agents' Association of India.
Fans had started streaming in from early evening at Songhai and Manthan in central Kolkata that had multiple screens. "We served Smriti sundaes and Jemima Jade Fried Chicken as a tribute to the leading ladies of Indian cricket. We had a full house at all our three restaurants, including MS Bar & Lounge," said Sudesh Poddar, owner of Songhai, Manthan and MS Bar & Lounge.