Beyond The Boundary World T20 – A Insightful Documentary
Upon the sight of a packed MCG accompanied by the captains of the competing teams, we are greeted by the welcoming voices of Ian Bishop and Sanjana Ganesan. It was at this point, 20 seconds in that one could figure out that Beyond the Boundary was going to be a fascinating insight into the Women’s World T20.
The opening introductory shots which greet viewers capture every emotion of a World Cup. The shot of a despairing Dani Wyatt walking off having been dismissed contrasted perfectly with the joy of the South African bench from the opening game. The camera then sweeps round a packed stand with camera flashes illuminating against the dark sky capturing a moment aptly described by Ian Bishop as a beautiful sight.
Thailand charm and Australia start slowly
The first game of the tournament is shown in a thrilling array of camera angles as Australia are stunned by India in the opener. Mixed with snippets of commentators crooning over 16 year-old Shafali Verma and leg-spinning great Poonam Yadav. The crowd was electric for the beginning of the tournament. Anticipation can always bring the best out of crowds.
The next game shown in detail was the first sight of Thailand in a major ICC Tournament finals. In several interviews beforehand (including a very wholesome one where she showed her love for Aussie skipper Meg Lanning) Thailand captain Sornnarin Tippoch showed why she had won the cricketing world over. Her cheerful demeanour and infectious enthusiasm shining through.
Thailand lit up the tournament with how they carried themselves on and off the field. Plus, they took a few teams by surprise with their brilliant, athletic fielding. The film does an excellent job in portraying just this.
A Superb Semi-Final
The mixing of camera angles, in game sounds and crowd noise with pre and post-game features gathered throughout the tournament made for a genuinely thrilling viewing experience. Emotion ran high in the latter stages of the competition.
The producers did a superb job of highlighting the contrasting emotions between the high tension run chase in the South Africa-Australia semi-final and the wash-out which sent India through over England.
Also, Read – Picking Australia’s All-Time ODI XI
Another moment to look out for is the entertaining in-dressing-room feature with India’s clear media favourite Veda Krishnamurthy. Plus, her interview of fellow India stars Jemima Rodrigues and Shafali Verma.
Katy Perry and a record crowd
On to the final and what was beyond doubt, a triumph of sporting spectacle. 86,174 spectators poured into the Melbourne Cricket Ground to see the final that, let’s be honest was the match up we wanted.
Overall, the game was never close. Australia cruised to victory. Australia eventually lifted the trophy, despite initially struggling in the tournament. But, Beyond the Boundary really showed the true class of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney through close camera angles and intimate coverage.
The atmosphere in the MCG throughout was absolutely electric. The views of the baying Australian fans and some stricken Indian fans was proof of the fervour that the competition stirred even without the main attraction. The world’s best cricketer- Ellyse Perry was in fact injured.
Also, Read – The Greatness That Is Ellyse Perry
It would be remiss not to mention the other Perry of the moment, Katy Perry. Not many international sporting events can boast having a pop superstar to open and close the days play and this only added to the spectacle.
If only a few young girls that may have just tuned in to watch Katy Perry but came away with an interest in cricket, it can be considered a vast success. Such is likely to have been the case.
Importance Of Women’s Cricket
The Beyond the Boundary World T20 highlighted just how important this summer will have been for England and their opposition to capitalise upon. Unfortunately this has been dealt a blow. New travel restrictions between South Africa and the UK meaning that the series between the two has now been cancelled.
The England Cricket Board were planning to have them tour the UK this summer. The team has not played a competitive game since the last game of the World Cup. The West Indies are reportedly keen to tour. If they do, then England will be extremely grateful to the West Indies once again.
Also, Watch – Australia’s thrilling semi-final win
Overall, the Beyond the Boundary World T20 is a thrilling account of what was a superb showcase for the talent on offer around the world. Hopefully Heather Knight’s side can get some cricket this summer and bring on the Hundred next year!
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