From U-19 to men and women cricket, Team India is on a winnings spree everywhere. Two of these teams are playing in South Africa and have won their respective matches in ODI series. While men team secured three successive wins, women team won first two matches to win the series.
After winning the series, Indian captain Mithali Raj revealed her desire of a direct qualification for India in World Cup 2021.
“It was important for us realizing that it was the start of the ICC Championship for India as well as for South Africa after the World Cup. Knowing that South Africa are very good at home. We’ve been facing each other regularly in the last few years, but it’s good to get points under your belt. Having four points gives us more confidence to get into the third one-dayer,” said Mithali.
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India won the second One-Day International against South Africa by 178 runs, where opener Smriti Mandhana followed her 84-run innings by scoring 135. She gave a good start to the team, which Mithali wants to capitalize and make 3-0.
She further added “Want to finish 3-0. Still, have 2 points to fight for. We won’t take them lightly. We would’ve tried out some youngsters if it was not for the points but knowing that we need to have as many points as we can… because as the runners-up team at the World Cup, for the next World Cup, I would want the team to have direct entry.”
Meanwhile, Jhulan Goswami created history by picking up her 200th ODI wicket in the second game. She took a four-for in the first game but managed only one wicket in the second game. Talking about the veteran pacer, Mithali quoted to Cricbuzz “It is always good to have one of the quality fast bowlers in your squad. She also, like me, debuted quite early in 2002 and since then we’ve been together a long time playing for India.”
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“She’s someone who has really worked hard. Because of her height, she gets that lateral move off the wicket which has always been her strong point. Also her high-arm action in getting the bounce off the wicket. These wickets are ideal for a fast bowler like her to get wickets,” she concluded.
The final game of the ODI series will be played on 10 February, which will be followed by the five-match T20I series.
