India will only play one series before the Women’s World Cup in early 2019, but ODI captain Mithali Raj believes the team is getting the greatest possible preparation for the mega event. In the last nine months, India has hosted South Africa before travelling to England and Australia for a three-match series. They lost all three series, but they made Australia work hard for it, ending their 26-match winning streak in the third ODI in Australia.
Before the ICC event in March-April, India will play World Cup hosts New Zealand.
“Since March, we’ve faced three of the finest teams in the country, which has provided us with valuable experience. Players have participated in domestic cricket as well as the Women’s Big Bash League, gaining valuable game experience.
“We’ll get to play in New Zealand before the World Cup, which is great,” Mithali remarked after the KFC-Indian Deaf Cricket Association agreement was unveiled here on Wednesday.
India, who had previously been unable to post scores of 250 or more, did it twice in the Australia series, chasing down 265 in the last ODI.
“When you play a strong team in their own backyard, you strive to give it your all. Despite the fact that we lost the series, the matches were really tight. We scored 270 and chased down 270, and if we can do that on a regular basis, we’ll be among the finest teams in the world “Mithali remarked.
Although middle-order batting needs to improve, Mithali believes that if they are to win the World Cup, all departments must work together.
“We bat as a unit, so it’s impossible to single out one region. There have been times when the top order has failed and the others have done admirably. It will assist if we try to post a good total as a team. If we concentrate on one aspect, such as middle order, it becomes too taxing for that slot.”
India finished second in 2017 despite the fact that few expected them to, thus expectations will be high this year.
“Back then, there were not enough expectations. Now, in 2021, players have gained experience and exposure through T20 leagues. We have a lot of young guys, but they’ve had enough experience. It’s just an issue of getting along as a group.
“Every game will be unique there. It will be better for us if we can read our opponents quickly “she continued.
