Eyeing for a Direct Entry in the Next World Cup, admits Mithali Raj

Banking on their superb batting effort, India defeated South Africa with a huge margin of 124 runs to take a 3-0 lead in the ODI series with three matches still to play.

South Africa’s batting collapsed once again, as they were bundled out for 124 runs.

South African skipper Dane Van Niekerk admitted they failed as a batting unit and would like to address this fast.

“Again it was poor execution,” Niekerk said on yesterday. “My batters don’t want to bat I see, so it’s something we need to address very urgently. It’s a very quick turnaround for us for the last one and India are showing us how to apply themselves in the middle. Madhana showed it today again. That’s what we need on our side too – we need people to put up their hands up. We can’t be bowled out in 30 overs,” Niekerk added.

South Africa got off to a steady start scoring 54 for one but was bundled out for 124, owing to another batting collapse. India has now gained four points the ICC Women’s Championship.

“I don’t think the wicket changed much. It was a brilliant wicket to play cricket on. I think we needed to restrict them to about 260 – that would’ve been a good score. They got away from us in the back end,” Niekerk said.

However, India’s innings was spearheaded by swashbuckling opener Smriti Mandhana. In addition to her 84 in the opening match, the southpaw scored a brilliant century to give India a good start.

“Good that I could convert last game’s 84 to this innings, but I had to start afresh,” said Mandhana. “I told myself I had to start from zero. Was even more special because we won the series. Getting the team through and contributing to the team makes me feel very good. Good to be 2-0 up in the series but we’re playing for the Championship, so every point matters,” she added.

However, skipper Mithali Raj is eyeing to finish the series 3-0, as she feels its good to have points under the belt.

“Want to finish 3-0. Still, have 2 points to fight for. We won’t take them lightly. We would’ve tried out some youngsters if it was not for the points but knowing that we need to have as many points as we can… because as the runners-up team at the World Cup, for the next World Cup, I would want the team to have a direct entry,” Mithali added.

Indian seamer Jhulan Goswami made the most of the pitch. In addition to her four-wicket haul in the first game, she added another to bring her 200th scalp. She became the first cricketer to achieve this landmark. Raj especially was in full praise of the experienced fast bowler.

“It is always good to have one of the quality fast bowlers in your squad,” Raj said of Goswami. “She also, like me, debuted quite early in 2002, and since then we’ve been together a long time playing for India. She’s someone who has really worked hard. Because of her height, she gets that lateral move off the wicket which has always been her strong point. Also her high-arm action in getting a bounce off the wicket. These wickets are ideal for a fast bowler like her to get wickets,” Raj added.

Meanwhile, Mandhana was one step ahead of her captain while talking about Jhulan. She wished for her long career.

“Always good to have someone like Jhulan di or Mithali di on the team because they are legends and they keep making us work much more harder and keep the standard high for us. She’s a brilliant bowler. I’m nobody to say anything about Jhulan di. Huge congratulations to her. Very happy for her 200th. Hope she can make it 250,” Mandhana concluded.

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