It won’t be easy for England: Mithali

India defeated England by 35 runs in its opening match and the final will be a rematch. 

“As a team, we are all very excited to be part of the final. We knew that this tournament wasn’t going to be easy but the way the girls have turned up at every situation when the team needed, whether it was the batters or bowlers,” Raj told reporters.

“It won’t be easy for England. But it will come down to how we perform on that day. We really have to work on our planning and strategy because England have also peaked after being defeated by us in the first game.

Raj praised Kaur and the bowlers for the win. “Harman’s innings was exceptional. The bowlers have done really well. Jhulan has come back into her rhythm and Shikha also bowled well and spinners have also done a good job. This unit looks compact now,” she said. 

Talking about her team, Raj said: “We have players now who are of international standard. They are standing up every game. We have a new woman of the match to stand up and perform for the team. 

“We have seen Smriti playing one of the best innings against England. Then Poonam Raut scored against Australia, we also have Harmanpreet Kaur. So the top order is scoring when it’s actually needed and also the response from the bowling unit has been brilliant.” 

Raj pointed out it was Harmanpreet’s knowledge of Australia’s bowlers, courtesy her stint at the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) that ultimately helped the Women in Blue plan for the semi-final. 

“I think the transformation [has come] after she played in the WBBL,” she said.