India’s ICC Women’s World Cup, 2017 campaign ended with a nine-run loss to England in the final. After being in an advantageous position for most phases of the game, India lost their last seven wickets in a flurry. From being 191 for three, they were bowled out for 219.
Reflecting on the close encounter, Mithali said, “The last four-five batters were probably (nervous) at this finals platform, they could not handle the pressure. Their bowlers did well, especially Anya Shrubsole and Jenny Gunn. Their spinners also did well, and their fielding was really up (to the standards). We mixed it up in the end.”
Analysing the match, she further said, “Our lower middle-order needs to contribute. It has been a concern for the Indian team. Like fielding, batting is something everybody needs to do, no matter which position they go. It’s a learning experience for all the girls, and I am sure they will use this experience when they are in a similar situation in future.”
The captain went on to laud Punam Raut’s efforts. “It was a very brave innings from Punam Raut in a situation like that. Her partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy were very important. They really built the innings. It’s about experience, and how they use it during such a situation is important. The girls probably weren’t experienced enough to do (complete the chase).
“But the way the team has fought all along the tournament is heartwarming. The Indian women’s team has a very bright future in the coming years. They are talented girls. It’s just a matter of being calculative, and keeping your cool in the middle,” she added.
Discussing the difference between the batting of both teams, she said, “Katherine Brunt’s 34 was very crucial for them. At one stage, they were six-seven wickets down, so her runs, and who ever came in, had extended their total to 228. Which we could not do. We were in a similar situation at one point, (and) we were probably eight runs ahead of them, (with) wickets in hand, and yet the result wasn’t in our favour. I guess it is important that the lower middle-order contributes.
“We were in the game until Shikha’s (Pandey) wicket fell. She was the last person I thought could pull the match through. When she got out we needed 11 runs. After that I thought we may not get those 10 runs to equal the total. After Punam, Veda (Krishnamurthy) was getting us those boundaries and runs. Her partnership with Deepti (Sharma) was also decent,” she mentioned.
One of the key performers for India was Jhulan Goswami, whose 3/23 set up the match. “She hadn’t started the tournament well, but definitely ended it on a high. It’s the experience that really counts in these matches. She is a player India should celebrate,” Mithali mentioned while appreciating the pacer.
“The spell she bowled (to end Sarah Taylor and Natalie Sciver’s stand and also pick Fran Wilson’s wicket) had given us a chance to hold England. We decided to put them to below 250 and the bowlers have done well. Overall, the team has done well. It’s just that at the crucial times, we weren’t thinking of what can we do better. Everybody was very nervous and that resulted in our defeat. I think the girls are sad, because they gave it all. It is but natural. It will take time, but these girls have set the platform for coming generations in India to look up to them. They have opened a lot of channels for women’s cricket. They should be really proud of themselves for doing that,” she added.
Speaking about her last World Cup, Mithali said, “Obviously, I wouldn’t be happy, but as a captain, I am very proud. I have seen the changes the girls have made to their personal games. As a team, we have regrouped to where the team is today. How the team has come along, it’s a great effort by everybody. Yes, it’s probably the last WC for me and Jhulan, but I am very happy that the team doesn’t look weak. They are still very confident, they are a team that every other team will be watching out for in the coming years.
“I’m proud of the girls. We started off well. We had couple of matches where we were defeated, and then coming back stronger. Unlike in 2005, when the final was one-sided, it went on till the end. The girls gave it all, I know. It happens with the best of best players and teams, but I’m sure the girls gave their best to make it happen. It didn’t, but we can always take the positives and move on,” Mithali mentioned.
While speaking about coach Tushar Arothe, she said, “He has worked hard with the girls. He has got a different approach. Since he’s played in England, he’s been very helpful to the bowlers as well as batters. He and the whole support staff have been very positive, looking after the girls.
“The BCCI have been very supportive. Every official has spoken very encouragingly. The response from the public back home is very positive. I am sure BCCI is very proud of the team as I am. When we lost the warm-up game nobody gave us a chance that we would make it in the semifinals, or after losing against South Africa and Australia during the league stage. A team like that has come to the finals and given a good fight to the home team; I am sure everybody should be proud of it,” she added.
