Mithali Raj looking forward to finish stint with elusive World Cup win

Indian captain, Mithali Raj, who is soon to be leading the team at the 2022 Women’s World Cup has stated her desire to lift the coveted trophy which if it happens would be India’s maiden World Cup triumph. With this year’s edition of the tournament being held in New Zealand, Raj commented on how things have come a full circle for her, having made her World Cup debut in 2000, which was also in New Zealand. The senior cricketer also expressed her hope of seeing all of her teammates performing well thus giving the country a shot at winning the elusive cup. Notably, the Indian team was at an inches distance from the trophy in the 2017 edition. India was cruising towards a victory in their final against England before a batting collapse shattered their hopes. They ended up losing the match by a mere margin of nine runs.

“I have come a long way from the 2000 World Cup, that also in New Zealand. It has come a full circle. I would look forward to all my players doing well and that will give the Indian team the opportunity to get a hand on that elusive Cup,” she added as quoted by Mid-day.

Mithali Raj to feature in her sixth Women’s World Cup

Raj burst onto the scene with a brilliant century on her ODI debut against Ireland in 1999. She has since been the mainstay in India’s batting lineup and also holds the record of being the top run-getter in Women’s ODIs. The right-handed batter has so far played in five World Cups for India. In terms of the team’s performances at the mega tournament, India’s best run came in the 2005 and 2017 editions, both of which ended as them being the runner up.

The team is expected to do well at this year’s edition and have started well in their build-up to the tournament having won both of their two warm-up fixtures. India’s first match in the tournament will be against Pakistan on March 6th in Mount Maunganui.