Published: Nov 24, 2018, 10:09 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 24, 2018, 10:09 AM (IST)
Veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami says that the Indian team management must have their reasons behind the decision to bench Mithali Raj from the all-important semifinal clash of the ICC Women’s World T20 against England. However, personally, she felt bad to see Mithali watching the proceedings from the sidelines as India crashed to an eight-wicket defeat.
India entered the last-four stage unbeaten based on some solid batting performance but against England they managed just 112 after suffering a massive collapse. Following their shoddy batting performance, the decision to not play Mithali, who had struck consecutive half-centuries before being rested in the group stage, generated much controversy.
“The decision was taken by the team management,” Jhulan was quoted as saying by The Times of India Saturday. “I am sure they have their reasons, but as an Indian cricket fan I felt bad to see Mithali sitting in the dugout.”
From 89/2, India lost their last eight wickets for the addition of just 23 runs. England overhauled the target in 17.1 overs with half-centuries from Amy Jones and Natalie Sciver.
Jhulan felt that India failed to adapt to the conditions. “We won the toss and decided to bat but could not make it count,”she said. “Despite the good start (43 in 6 overs) by Smriti (Mandhana) and Taniya (Bhatia) we crumbled from 89/2 to be bowled out for 112. Our players failed to adapt to the conditions and lacked application,” Jhulan opined.
She continued, “It’s just one bad day for our girls, and it’s all over. We played good cricket throughout the group stage but failed to hold our nerve in the semifinal.”
