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Months ahead of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India got a reality check in Asia Cup final as hosts Sri Lanka beat them by eight wickets with eight balls to spare. The Indian team faltered in all departments of the game in the final. After the defeat, former India captain Mithali Raj pointed out that India need to get someone who can attack at the number three batting position.
In the final, Uma Chetry walked out to bat at no.3 and scored nine runs from seven balls. They have tried Dayalan Hemalatha and Sajeevan Sajana in the position but are yet to get desired results consistently. Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues has been pushed to no.5 and she has managed to excel in the position as well.
“Come October, India is going to participate in the biggest tournament, the T20 Women’s World Cup. The areas I think India should really focus on improving are the number 3 batter position.”
“They are still searching for the right batter to go at No.3. They have tried Hemalatha and they have tried Chetry. But ideally, they should have someone who can really go big after the sort of opening partnership that Shafali and Smriti would provide,” Mithali said in a discussion on Star Sports.
More bowling options in lineup
In addition, Mithali also feels that India need all-rounders who can chip in with a few overs as currently they are playing with five bowlers.
“Also, the bowling aspect needs attention because right now they are going with only five bowlers. They probably require a 6th one, someone like an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs as well as bat. I think these are the areas India should look to tweak before getting into the World Cup,” added the 41-year-old.
Mithali’s message to team ahead of T20 World Cup
India are still searching for their first World Cup title. Mithali feels that India have a chance to break the jinx considering the familiar conditions in Bangladesh.
“My message to the Indian team would be to play good cricket, play hard cricket, and compete. I believe you all have a great chance because it’s in Bangladesh, a location with conditions that suit us. Our strengths have always been the spinners, and this time around our batting is also doing really well. So, good luck to you all,” she concluded.
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