IND W vs SA W: Indian women’s ODI captain Mithali Raj said her bowlers did not have the right kind of preparation before the five-match series against South Africa after the hosts lost the 4th ODI by 7 wickets in Lucknow on Sunday. Punam Raut’s fantastic century helped India post 266, sent to bat, but four half-centuries from South Africa helped them win the match and claim the series with an unassailable 3-1 lead.
“Even if we scored more than 266, it wouldn’t be enough, the way the South Africans batted. Our bowling department needs to work on preparation before a series. We lacked that. We are not a bad fielding side but there are things we can improve on,” Mithali Raj said during the presentation ceremony.
Also read: SA-W beat IND-W: Despite Poonam Raut’s ton, South Africa wins 4th ODI and series vs Mithali’s India
India missed veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami’s service in the 4th ODI after she was rested due to a niggle. In her absence, India struggled to get breakthroughs as two century partnerships helped South Africa win the match.
“We missed Jhulan’s experience but it was an opportunity for the other bowlers to step up and take responsibility. Our spin department is experienced. I expect them to come back stronger,” Mithali Raj said.
For South Africa, it was as easy as it could get from the start. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (53), who put the visitors on course to victory with a 116-run opening partnership with Lizelle Lee (69), said it was a “team effort”.
“I’m fresh to the job and I used the senior players for advice and help. The plan was to be as attacking with the ball up front as we could be. We have a world-class attack. One in the top four has to bat through for us. It’s something we haven’t done in the past,” she said.
Also read: Ind-W vs SA-W 4th ODI: Mithali Raj becomes first woman cricketer to score 7,000 ODI runs
IND W vs SA W: Mignon du Preez was adjudged the Player of the Match for her match-winning 55-ball 61-run knock. Her crucial partnership of 103 runs with Lara Goodall (59 not out) for the third wicket took the match away from India.
“Laura and Lizelle set up the team so everyone else can play with freedom. It’s been something we wanted to do for a long time: to contribute in the middle. This is a special one. Winning a series in India, in these tough conditions, and with everything happening in the world, we are going to treasure this one,” Preez said.
IND W vs SA W: Mithali Raj rues India bowlers lack of preparation before South Africa series
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