London: Indian skipper Mithali Raj said Wednesday their first target is to reach the semifinals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, starting June 24 here.
Mithali revealed the importance of the quadrangular Series in South Africa last month and said the team would like to carry forward the same momentum in the upcoming event also.
“Our first target will be to reach the semifinals, but for that you need to be able to play good cricket throughout the tournament and have good momentum,” Mithali was quoted as saying ICC’s official website.
“For me, the quadrangular series in South Africa was fantastic – we played very convincingly and as a team we performed really well. We’re looking to produce the same kind of performance over here.
“The conditions there (South Africa) were completely different to what we are facing here in England. We can take a lot of confidence, but we need to start fresh again in the World Cup,” she added.
The 34-year-old batswoman also said the bowlers have to pitch in the right areas because the conditions here might play a crucial role. “If you are able to bowl in the right areas, there should be a bit of movement off the wicket, and the weather might play a big role as well, if you are able to adapt,” Mithali pointed out.
The Indian eves finished seventh in the previous edition of the event, but this time, Mithali-led India are eyeing the title with a much-improved performance.
“The World Cup is a big stage, and that’s four years of preparation. We’re looking forward to it, it’s going to be my fourth World Cup, so I’m looking forward to some good games,” Mithali pointed out.
India are in Group A along with Australia, England and New Zealand. They play their first match June 24 against England. The Women in Blue lost their first warm-up game to New Zealand by seven wickets.
Indo-Asian News Service
