Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj said the team didn’t expected a no-ball from veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami when she bowled the final delivery that cost the tourists the must-win second ODI against Australia Women in Mackay on Friday (September 24).
With Australia requiring 3 runs off the final ball, Goswami bowled an over-the-waist full toss and Nicola Carey hit the ball straight to the fielder, triggering celebrations in the Indian camp, but the TV umpire declared the delivery a no-ball, and the hosts managed 2 runs from the last ball to win the game by 5 wickets.
With the second ODI win, the Australian women team claimed the 3-match ODI series 2-0 against India with the third and final ODI to be played on Sunday (September 26).
Mithali said after the game: “For me, it was quite a nervous last ball because anything could have happened, we didn't expect a no-ball but it's part of the game and we were all on the edge of our seats. We will continue to put up the show we did today.”
She added, “This was a great game of cricket from both the teams. It was a great cricket display with almost 550 runs scored. We still want to win the next game. The batting department has done well; Smriti Mandhana (86) and Richa Gosh (44) have done well. For me, it was a nervous last ball, because anything would have happened.”
Meanwhile, Beth Mooney, who scored an unbeaten 125 in Australia's successful chase to win the Player of the Match award, said she was disappointed that they have let the game drag on till the last over.
Mooney said, “To be honest, I was disappointed that we left it for the last over. It was a great partnership with Nicola Carey (39*) at the end and thought we had really great plans.”
She continued, “We were guessing what they were going to bowl; you just got to run hard and was lucky I had a bit left in the tank. I probably had the best pre-season, credit to the support staff. I do like batting as an opener. But I'm a big fan of Rachel Haynes.”
On the other hand, Australian skipper Meg Lanning lauded the Indian bowlers for taking the game to the last ball and making it a close contest.
She added, “India bowled pretty well. The way the game finished was incredible. We got that depth in the team, we got that batting and bowling.”
Lanning signed off by saying, “This shows the versatility in the group. India played well for the majority of the game, so happy with the win. It's certainly the most eventful game we have been a part of. We are looking forward to a really good contest in the third game.”
(With PTI Inputs)
