Internet Desk: Former India woman captain and a member of the CoA, Diana Edulji feels Australia is not an unbeatable side, provided Mitali Raj and her team execute their plans to perfection. The Indian women’s team will be taking on the mighty Southern Stars in the second semi final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in Derby on Thursday.
“Australia are the most successful team in women’s cricket but you can’t call them invincible. India can beat them provided they have their plans in place, just like the last game against New Zealand,” said Edulji.
It will be extremely tough though for Mithali Raj and her team as the Aussies are very strong on paper. The six time World champions are the team to beat in this tournament. The Indians were outplayed comprehensively against the Aussies in the round robin league match. But according to Diana Edulji, the Indian team should not look at what happened in the past, and must strategise about how to topple the Aussies. And the best way will be to bat out the opponent provided they win the toss and decide to bat first.
“India must bat and put the scoreboard pressure on the opposition, provided they win the toss. Australian openers are in form so is their inspirational captain and number three Meg Lanning. If they bat first, Australia might just run away with the game,” feared Edulji.
For India to post a decent total, Smriti Mandhana will need to fire at the top. Mandhana has suffered five failures on the trot after firing in the first two games. If they fail yet again then it will put too much pressure on Mithali Raj.
“That has really hurt India. Because in the first two games, she could give brisk starts to the team and Mithali (Raj) was solid in the middle overs. Smriti needs to be back among runs tomorrow as she is key to India scoring over 250,” said Edulji.
Mithali, however, has led from the front with 356 runs from seven games at an average of 50.85.
“India also need to bat the way they did against New Zealand. They used their feet against the spinners and got the results. By now all teams know that Indian batswomen don’t use their feet much. So I hope they go in with a similar frame of mind and continue using their feet,” feel Edulji.
“From the bowling point of view, getting Rajeshwari Gayakwad in place of Ekta Bisht proved to be a masterstroke She can turn the ball while Ekta generally bowls flat,” she said referring to Gayakwad’s match-winning five-wicket haul against New Zealand.