Punam century goes in vain as India lose to Australia by eight wickets Mithali Raj is an inspiration: Sunny
ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP India’s semifinal chances suffer huge setback as Mithali Raj’s team drops to fourth on the points table
India’s semifinal prospects suffered a massive setback after Australia cantered to a convincing eight-wicket win, riding on a superb batting show by their top-order in the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Wednesday.
Put into bat, opener Punam Raut’s fighting century and a 69 from record-breaking skipper Mithali Raj enabled India to post a decent 226 for seven in their sixth group league match.
Australia overhauled the target with 29 balls to spare, scoring 227 for two, courtesy some fine batting by skipper Meg Lanning (76*) and Ellyse Perry (60*). Beth Mooney (45) and Nicole Bolton (36) laid the foundation with a 62-run opening partnership in 15.4 overs.
Mithali said at the postmatch presentation ceremony, “It was a decent total after losing our first wicket in the first couple of overs. We should have got more runs in the middle overs, but it was still a competitive total. But the bowlers didn’t look penetrative, it was a slow wicket.”
After this loss, India are now placed at the fourth spot with eight points. They will have to win their next and final league match against New Zealand to make the knockout stage.
“Even for New Zealand, probably, it will be a do-or-die match. If we look forward to qualifying, we really need to upgrade our quality of cricket,” Mithali said. “We’ve come into this World Cup looking to win it, just like every other team. There’s been some very good cricket played, and every game from here on is going to be high-quality,” Lanning said. C Edwards (Eng) Belinda Clark (Aus) 118 Karen Rolton (Aus) Claire Taylor (Aus) 191 141 180 114 132 126 120 23 12 32 18 38.16 47.49 229* 5 48.14 173* 9 154* 8 40.20 156* 8 46 30 33 23 16 3 4 6
Mithali Raj was the toast of Indian cricket on Wednesday even as Ravi Shastri’s return as the head coach of the men’s team did the rounds.
The 34-year-old captain won loads of praise after she became the highest run-getter in ODIs during a 69-run innings against Australia in a Women’s Cricket World Cup match in Bristol.
“Mithali Raj is an inspiration and has carved a niche for herself. She is standing at the top of a mountain and we should celebrate that,” said former Test captain Sunil Gavaskar to NDTV when asked if she was the women’s version of Sachin Tendulkar.
A teen sensation -- Mithali Raj was 16 years old when she scored her maiden ODI century -- she is the youngest centurion in the history of women’s One-day Internationals. No other player has scored a century in the format before turning 17.
“It is a fantastic achievement. Her longevity and resilence to carry on is an inspiration for both menandwomen,”saidGavaskar.
Mithali’s record drew praise from several international cricketers, including the Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli. “A great moment for Indian Cricket, @M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in women’s ODI cricket history today. Champion Stuff!” Virat tweeted.
“It’s good that the men have reacted this way. They know how hard it is to score runs and how hard it is to stay at the top of your game for so long,” said Gavaskar. Mithali Raj made her debut with an unbeaten 114 against Ireland at Milton Keynes on June 26, 1999.
“It’s a proud day for Indian cricket. We have the highest scorer in Tests, ODI and now women’s ODIs,” said Gavaskar, who jokingly pointed out that there was magic in Hyderabad’s paani (water).
Born in Jodhpur, the women’s cricket team skipper grew up in Hyderabad that has produced several champions -- Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and now Mithali Raj.
Landmark day. First Jhulan became the leading wickettaker in ODIs, now Mithali has broken runs record.
Mithali and Tendulkar, they are not made. They are born. She achieved this because of hard work and dedication.