Sourav Ganguly hailed the Shafali Verma-led Indian team that emerged champions in the just-concluded Women’s U-19 World Cup in South Africa.

The India U-19 girls thrashed their English counterparts by seven wickets in the final in Potchefstroom on Sunday. They bundled England out for 68 in 17.1 overs and then took just 14 overs to notch up the required runs and win the Cup.

“Winning the World Cup is always something big. It’s a huge achievement for these girls. No second thoughts about it,” the former India captain and the BCCI ex-president said at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Sourav also lauded the emphatic manner in which Shafali and her teammates conquered the summit. They got beaten in only one game in the tournament, losing to Australia by seven wickets.

“For sure it’s a tremendous achievement and a World Cup triumph is phenomenal, given the manner in which they played. Nearly unbeaten,” Sourav said.

Jhulan Goswami. Santosh Ghosh

Talking about pacer TitasSadhu, who was adjudged Player of the Match in the final for her spell (2/6), Sourav stated: “I have seen her bowling. A very fine piece of performance.”

Asked about the RohitSharma-led Indian team’s chances in the coming home Test series against Australia, Sourav replied: “India will do well.”

Jhulan role

Jhulan Goswami, one of the legends in women’s cricket, may be seen in the coaching staff of the Mumbai franchise (owned by India win Sports Private Limited) in the inaugural women’s IPL.

“We (Delhi Capitals) had given Jhulan an offer, but she has gone to Mumbai,” Sourav, who holds an important postin the Delhi franchise of the IPL, said.

Jhulan, however, refused to comment on the matter.