The Chief of IAF Felicitates Indian Cricketer, Shikha Pandey

The Women In Blue garnered the must-deserved spotlight at recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. There emerged another star, Shikha Pandey, who played brilliantly. Recently, she was felicitated by the Indian Air Force on Tuesday (Aug 1).

CAS ACM BS Dhanoa felicitated F/L @shikhashauny #IndianWomenCricket team,appreciating her performance & wished success for future endeavors pic.twitter.com/26962RqcjO

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 1, 2017

The cricketer was honoured with the chief of the air staff commendation,  a cheque and medal from the Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at Air Headquarters in New Delhi.

The spectators witnessed a stellar performance from Pandey, the pacer, as the team fought valiantly against England in the final. Since then, Indian women cricketers have been bestowed with numerous honours.

Pandey played a crucial role in the tournament, enabling her side to reach the final after a gap of 12 years. She took three wickets against South Africa and two wickets against England. While battling in the semi-final match against Australia, she took down two main wickets, giving away just 17 runs.

Just like the master blaster Tendulkar, Flight Lieutenant Shikha Pandey is a part of the Indian Air Force.

Also Read: Sportswomen Who Made India Proud In 2016

Here are a few things to know about this cricket sensation:

• Shikha Pandey, dons Jersey Number 12 of Indian Women Cricket Team.
• Pandey joined the IAF on June 30, 2012 as an Air Traffic Control Officer.
• An all-rounder, she made her international debut in the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh, 2014.

Indian Air Force felicitates India women’s cricketer Shikha Pandey

• Pandey is also the first woman officer from the Air Force to represent the Indian cricket team.
• She is the first player from Goa to make it to the national women cricket team.
• This Electronics Engineer started playing professional cricket at the age of 17. She became a part of the Women Senior State Side in 2007-08. In the same season, she batted for Goa’s under-19 team as vice-captain, the under-19 South Zone team, and several others.
• She also led Goa to the Senior Women’s T20 Super League stage this season, almost toppling Railways, the defending champions.
•  She became a part of the Indian Women’s Team in March 2014.
• Till date, India has won 16 consecutive ODIs. Pandey was one of the helping hands to lead the team to the position. She took 26 wickets -- the highest by any bowler -- and also has two ODI fifties to her name.

Also Read:  At last, gender parity in daily allowances for women’s and men’s cricket teams

Also Read: Team India Flaunts Mothers’ Names On Jerseys

Feature Image Credit: Indian Express

Read More Stories By Ria Das

Join Us on https://www.facebook.com/SheThePeoplePage

Follow Us on https://twitter.com/SheThePeopleTV