Praise for India's women cricketers after series win

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33458223

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Pundits believe the popularity of women's cricket in India will receive a boost with the national team's series win against New Zealand.

India defeated the visiting New Zealand team by nine wickets in Bangalore on Wednesday to clinch a five-match series 3-2.

The New Zealand team was bowled out for 118 in 41 overs, which the home team comfortably chased down in 27.2 overs.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a prize of £21,500 for the women's team after the victory.

"Congratulations to our skipper Mithali Raj on leading the team with distinction and registering a series win against New Zealand," BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said.

BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur congratulated the captain of the Indian team Mithali Raj for crossing 5,000 runs and expressed optimism for the future.

"This five-match ODI series proved to be competitive and was a wonderful showcase for the skill and class of women's cricket. It augurs well for the future," he said.

Cricket is the most popular sport in India but the women's version of the game does not generate as much interest.

While the men players enjoy celebrity status and make big money, the women players do not get much recognition.

But this victory appears to be a step in the right direction.

Snehal Pradhan writes on Wisden India website that "this series win against a quality New Zealand side will be a shot in the arm for the women's team".

Ms Pradhan said the fact that the women's series was broadcast live in TV in India after several years was also an important development.

"With the eyes of the world and the powers that be at the BCCI upon them, it was important for the team to put up a good show," she writes.

The team win has also received praise on social media.

Most analysts and fans agree that women's cricket needs more encouragement to become popular.

"Through this show, the women have shown the BCCI that the talent and will to win exists; with some smart investment, foresight and a lot of hard work, the returns could well be worth it," writes Pradhan.