We are getting best possible preparation for World Cup: Mithali
PTI, Dec 1, 2021, 6:15 PM IST
India are scheduled to play only one series before the Women’s World Cup early next year but ODI skipper Mithali Raj feels the team is getting the best preparation possible ahead of the mega event.
In the last nine months, India hosted South Africa before playing a three-match series in England and Australia. They lost all three series but made the mighty Australia work really hard for it and also ended their 26-match winning streak in the third ODI Down Under.
India will play World Cup hosts New Zealand before the ICC event in March-April.
”We have played three best teams since March and it has given us good preparation. Players have played domestic cricket and also in the Women’s Big Bash so they are getting game time which is the most important thing. ”We are getting to play in New Zealand before World Cup which is also good,” said Mithali after a partnership between KFC and Indian Deaf Cricket Association was announced here on Wednesday.
India, who were unable to post 250 plus scores, did that twice in the Australia series and chased down 265 in the final ODI.
”When you play against a strong team in its backyard you try to give your best. Though we lost the series, the matches were very close. We scored 270 and chased 270 odd, if we can do that consistently we will be among the best sides in world cricket,” said Mithali.
Middle-order batting needs improvement but Mithali said all departments must fire as a unit if they are to win the World Cup.
”We bat as a unit so you can’t pinpoint one area. There are times when top order failed and the others performed. As a unit if we look to post a good total then it will help. If we focus on one area like middle order then it becomes too much of a burden for that particular slot.” India finished runners-up in 2017 when not many expected them to but expectations will be high this time.
”There were not enough expectations back then. Now in 2021 players have got experience and got a lot of exposure with the T20 leagues. Overall we have young players but they have got enough exposure. It is just of matter of gelling well as a team. ”Every match will be different there. The quicker we read our opponents the better it will be for us,” she added.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Credit to Stoinis as it didn’t seem like 210 track: KL Rahul
“Had the game in hand, but…”: Ruturaj Gaikwad on reason behind CSK’s 1st home loss in IPL 2024
Stoinis ton shocks CSK as LSG win by six wickets
IPL 2024: We’ve got a little bit of improving to do, both with bat and ball, says Warner
IPL 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal says focussing on basics helped him find form
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
WATCH: 5 runaway military horses cause mayhem in London
FIR filed over BJP’s social media post allegedly promoting hatred and enmity: EC
Can’t control elections or pass directions on basis of suspicion: SC tells EVM critics
Amitabh Bachchan receives Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Puraskar
Hubballi: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala visits Neha’s house, assures justice to family