Australia continued their dominance over India with a comprehensive 60-run victory against the hosts to seal the three-match One-day International (ODI) series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in Vadodara on Thursday, 15 March.
After cruising to an eight-wicket victory in the opening ICC Women's Championship game, Australia outplayed India in all departments after scoring a healthy 287/9 and then bowling out Mithali Raj's team for 227 in 49.2 overs in the second match.
On Thursday, India got a boost, as Mithali, who was unwell, returned to the playing eleven.
At the press conference, the captain expressed that the bowlers were not disciplined with their lines and lengths in the second ODI.
Our bowling needs to be disciplined, which wasn’t the case today. Our bowlers have to be more consistent with their lines and lengths.Mithali Raj
Mithali said that the poor performance by the top-order batters is a cause for concern.
The top order needs to contribute much more. The performance of one or two players in the top order is very important.Mithali Raj
When asked whether she made the right call when she decided to bowl first at the toss, Mithali stood by her decision.
There was moisture on the wicket, there was some movement for the fast bowlers as well. But, we didn’t grab our opportunities.Mithali Raj
Mithali also accepted the fact that the batters needed to bat at a better strike-rate.
A good run-rate has to be maintained when a team is chasing a high total. But at the same time, partnerships also need to be built. But as you (the reporter) said, the strike rate wasn’t up to the mark.Mithali Raj
The Indian reply started on a good note, with Smriti Mandhana smashing it early on. However, her opening partner Punam Raut was perhaps a bit too quiet, and was on just 4 by the end of 10 overs.
By then, Mandhana had stroked her way to 40 in 32 balls to ensure the scoring rate was fine. She continued her aggressive innings, and got past the half-century with a glance off Nicola Carey, but couldn't carry on for much longer as Jonassen got her to miscue a slog sweep to short fine leg where Megan Schutt took the catch. Mandhana fell for 67 in 53 balls, with 12 fours and a six.
Raut had only reached 20 at that stage, and moved to 27 before her 61-ball innings came to an end, caught off Ashleigh Gardener by Amanda-Jade Wellington at mid-off.
That left India at 99/2, and though Deepti Sharma (26) and Mithali Raj (15) looked good for a while, the asking rate and the pressure ultimately proved too much for the women in blue.
(With inputs from IANS)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)