An inconsistent India paid the price for a shoddy batting effort but England infused a new life into their title defence with a four-wicket win in a league-stage game of the ICC Women World Cup on Wednesday (March 16). Inconsistency returned to haunt Indian batters as they were bundled out for a meagre 134 by England, who chased down the target in 31.2 overs to record their first win in the tournament after a hat-trick of defeats.
Meanwhile, India's skipper Mithali Raj admitted that they didn't have the partnerships to post a big total. She also conceded that one always thinks they are short of runs when they lose.
"We definitely didn't have partnership at the top of order, despite getting what we wanted after losing the toss. When you lose, you always think you are short of runs. The thought of putting 200+, the match could have gone either ways. Every game as a fielding unit we are doing well and we hope to continue to do that," Mithali said after the match.
India's batting unit again misfired as seven batters could manage to score just 19 runs.
"Batting is a concern but we'll have to address that next match, knowing we are playing a team that hasn't lost to anyone. Congratulations to Jhulan for the (250 ODI wickets) milestone, knowing how difficult it is for bowlers to take the field for so long in career," Mithali added.
Earlier, in sharp contrast to India's performance against the West Indies in their last match when they rode on centuries from Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to post 317 for 8, their highest total in the history of the showpiece event.
India got some runs on the board, thanks to previous game's centurion Smriti Mandhana, who top-scored for the side with a 35-run knock while wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh made 33.
With wickets falling intermittently, England bowled out India in 36.2 overs.
Charlie Dean (4/23) was the pick of the bowlers for England while Anya Shrubsole also chipped in with two wickets as the Indians failed to build a decent partnership.
Having suffered three defeats from as many matches so far, it is a must-win match for title holders and four-time champions England.
The defeat failed to dislodge India from the top four as the Mithali Raj-led side is occupying the third spot in the eight-team standings with four points from two wins and as many losses.
