Mithali Raj-led India salvaged pride as they avoided the ODI series sweep against New Zealand after claiming the fifth match by six wickets on Thursday (February 24). India's skipper now has her sight set on the upcoming Women's World Cup which is slated to kick off from March 4. After the match she talked about the future of India's women cricket which looks bright as per her.
Mithali mentioned that when she hangs up her boots after the upcoming 50-over World Cup, the squad will likely be far stronger with the brand new expertise.
“When I retire after this tournament, I will see that the squad is far more stronger with the upcoming new talent,” Mithali said.
“We have improved over the last few games we have played, that’s a good sign before the World Cup. Was important to have the right preparation before the big tournament. Unfortunately we couldn’t get the camps in India due to the rising Omicron cases,” she added.
With this victory, India registered their first win of the sequence, however the White Ferns took the ODI series 4-1.
“The wicket seemed batting friendly, but the bowlers did well today. Something that we need to work more on is our fielding. Thanks to the New Zealand cricket board for giving us this opportunity,” she added.
Chasing a target of 252, Indian team lost an early wicket as opener Shafali Verma (9 runs off 11 balls) was sent back to the dressing room in the fifth over of the innings. Shafali’s poor show in the ODI continued as she could manage to notch only one fifty in the series and was out for a duck in the fourth ODI.
But the other opening batter Smriti Mandhana (71 runs off 81 balls) and skipper Mithali Raj (59 runs not out off 73 balls) played in a superb fashion to avert the early danger.
Later, Harmanpreet Kaur scored 63 runs to help the Indian team in securing a much-needed victory.
Mandhana all praise for Harman
Smriti Mandhana was all praise for Harmanpreet's comeback knock. Talking about Harmanpreet's return to form, Mandhana said: "It was really important for the team. It was good to see her playing all those shots she was playing.
"I was just happy to watch that from the other end. For the team going into the World Cup, it was really important that both of us score and get confidence with all other batters," she said.
Mandhana, who did not discuss cricket with Harmanpreet on purpose when she was struggling for runs, said the mood in the camp remained positive despite five losses in a row including the one off T20.
"I think all the girls are really disconnected from the outside noise. Everyone was really positive when we joined the team later. All were keen to go out and work hard. This win is going to give us a boost. We need fresh legs going into the World Cup," said Mandhana.
India open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on March 6.
