ICC Women's World Cup 2022: India's Win Was On Expected Lines - Shantha Rangaswamy

Former India women’s team captain Shantha Rangaswamy lauded Mithali Raj-led side for winning the opening game against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.

The 2017 World Cup finalists started their campaign with a 107-run triumph against Bismah Maroof-led Pakistan side at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday (March 6).

Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana bails India out from a tough situation against Pakistan

Although India suffered a collapse after they were reeling at 114/6 at the start of the 34th over, lower-order batters Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana ensured the team ended with a moderate score in the first innings.

Vastrakar (67) and Rana (53*) stitched a 122-run partnership for the seventh wicket as they kept rotating the strikes with singles and doubles, only banking on the bad balls for boundaries without taking any risks. India ended at 244/7 in the first innings.

India bowled out Pakistan for 137 as left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad claimed four scalps with senior pacer Jhulan Goswami and Rana chipped in with two wickets each.

I am glad India held their nerve and carved out a very impressive win: Shantha Rangaswamy

Rangaswamy, who played 19 ODIs and 16 Test matches for India between 1976-1991, said India’s victory was expected even though she admitted it is always an intense game against Pakistan. The former Indian skipper praised the bowlers and the duo of Vastrakar and Rana for India’s 107-run win.

“The win was on expected lines. But then any game against Pakistan, in any sport, can be very tense. I’m glad they held their nerve and carved out a very impressive win, thanks mainly to the partnership between Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar,” Rangaswamy told Times of India. 

“We mustn’t ignore the efforts of the bowlers, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Rana. Jhulan, of course, we expect to do well. There were many pluses. There could not have been a better start,” she added. 

India women’s team will face host New Zealand in the next match on March 10 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2022: I Am Happy We Won The First Game But A Lot Of Things To Work On – Mithali Raj