ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 | What did captain Mithali Raj say after India’s loss?

After Saturday’s loss against Australia, the Indian team have been left at a tough spot in the league table of the ICC Women’s World Cup. Being played in New Zealand, India are currently fourth in the points table with four points from five games, being threatened by New Zealand and defending champions England for the fourth and the final spot for the semi finals.

While a week’s worth of cricket is yet to be played, it is practical to believe that South Africa alongside Australia have already qualified for the first two positions of the top four, and West Indies, who are third currently have a 2-point advantage in the table.

This loss against Australia means that India are in a do-or-die fight with New Zealand and England for the final spot and have to make a strong turnaround in the tournament after losing two matches in a row.

Asked about the reason for their loss against tournament favourite Aussies, captain Mithali Raj stated that it was one of those days where the bowling unit did not do well.

“When you lose you always feel that you are 10-15 runs short. Maybe the way the Australians started, they were ahead and the fielders did not back the bowlers when it was needed. It was one of those days when the bowling unit didn’t do well but they have been for the last four-five games," said Mithali in the post-match presentation ceremony.

She acknowledged that this was a position that India did not want to be into but now the team has to fire in all departments to get them out of this mess.

 “The batting came good today but the bowling did take a hit. The next two games becomes very important and we would look to do well in all departments. We got ourselves in that position but the next two games is a must-win for us."

India failed to defend a target of 278 runs against Australia in Auckland owing to a strong batting line-up from the Aussie side that took it away from the Indians in the very first hour of the game. India fought back in pockets but an exceptional innings from Beth Mooney sealed the deal for her country deep into the final overs of the game. Australia are currently undefeated in the World Cup, having won all of their five outings.