Mithali Raj led Team India registered a convincing win over Bangladesh in their must-win game at Seddon Park in Hamilton on March 22.
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Mithali Raj led Team India registered a convincing win over Bangladesh in their must-win game in the World Cup at Seddon Park in Hamilton on March 22. While Yastika Bhatoia scored a fine fifty and helped India post 229 runs on board, It was Sneh Rana, whose four-wicket haul sealed the deal. Along with her, Jhulan Goswami and Pooja Vastrakar too did well. And, India won by 110 runs as well.
After the win, Mithali Raj, India captain said: “Sometimes it happens (on her own form). I think the last time I hadn’t scored runs for a while was back in 2012. It was important to get partnerships as it wasn’t a surface where a new batter could get going instantly. We did well to get to 230 after losing those early wickets. Having all-rounders definitely gives the cushion of batting deep and it’s good in a tournament like this. You want bowling options and also someone down the order to contribute with the bat.”
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She continued: “Selectors have also been on the same page in bringing more all-rounders. For a long time, we’ve always banked on our spinners and we have quality spinners. Today’s surface did help them a lot too. Wouldn’t say we are spin-dominant, it also depends on the opposition we’re playing. We haven’t played a game in Christchurch yet, so that’s a challenge. It’s an important game for India and we would want to do well in all departments.”
Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh captain has said: “I think it is difficult when you lose a lot of early wickets. We need to work on it. We bowled well, put pressure on India at times. But the batting needs to be worked upon. Shamima wasn’t playing today, so that’s why I had to keep wickets today. Controlling the nerves in crunch situations is something we need to learn. We didn’t get enough partnerships in this game and also in the last match. That’s what cost us the games. Bowlers did wonderfully well today, especially Salma and Ritu. Lots of positives for us.”
Yastika Bhatia, who won the ‘Player of the Match’ award, said: “Very pleased, I would have liked some more runs to contribute to the team, but nevertheless, very happy with the result. In domestic, I’d prepared for No. 3 and it was always in mind that whichever order I get, I’ll have to contribute for the team. So the preparation was according to that. Sometimes the wicket is not that good, so singles and strike rotation will be in my mind. It’s my first Man of the Match in internationals, it really means a lot.”
