Stopping Australia seems like an impossible task at the moment! Meg Lanning and Co are through to the semis with two games to spare, winning five out of five and looking set to sweep their way through the group stage. India, on the other hand, did well to bowl tight lines after resumption of play, and took the game all the way till the final over so as to not affect their Net Run Rate, which is still the best after Australia’s.
That brings us to the end of our coverage of the Australia-India encounter, the first of the 2022 World Cup to take place as Auckland’s iconic Eden Park. The match between England and New Zealand tomorrow becomes a virtual quarter-final, with the loser set to bid their hopes of making it to the semis goodbye!
For now, this time Amit Banerjee singing off, wishing you all a happy weekend ahead.
Meg Lanning: You knew heading into this game… a team with some world-class players. It’s something we can improve upon. We were a bit fumbly in the field as well. We’ll take the win today, but understand we have areas to work upon. Pretty difficult, because the pockets are massive as well. Very unique, all the grounds in New Zealand are such. We knew we had it under control. Moons came in real nice and took the pressure off me. Healy and Haynes got us off to a top start. We’ve had different people step up at different times. She had that steely look on her face.
Mithali Raj: When you lose you always feel you’re 10-15 runs short. The way the Australians started the innings, they were ahead of the required run rate. The fielding didn’t support the bowling. It has a lot to do with the girls playing the league in Australia and playing against and alongside the best in the world. Batting was something we wanted to improve upon which we did, but the bowling department didn’t. The next two games are very important for us. I just want to thank all the people, especially the Indians who turned up to support us. It’s incredible for a fast bowler to play so many years and games. Takes a lot of discipline. Definitely a role model for many players.
Some good news for the Indians
India’s NRR hasn’t taken that much of a hit after today, but they now enter do-or-die territory. Need to win next two and hope the stars align.
Meg Lanning (97) is the Player of the Match!
Lanning: Personally, it was nice to contribute. Disappointed in the last two games. Nice to execute and contribute to a win. It was a belter of a wicket, came on nicely, there wasn’t a lot of turn. We have very different games, which really helps us. It’s nice to have someone down there who’s comfortable and experienced.
49.3 FOUR! Mooney finishes off in style, as Australia pull off a record chase to become the first team in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup to book their place in the semis. AUS 280/4
49.2 TWO! Mooney steers the ball through cover, getting enough time to come back for a second thanks to a fumble by Mandhana in the deep. AUS 276/4; need 2 off 4
49.1 FOUR! Mooney collects a boundary off the first ball! Poor start for Goswami! AUS 274/4; need 4 off 5