Indian team more than capable of winning the Women’s World Cup: Mithali Raj

India women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj believes her team is “more than capable” of winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Mithali added that now it’s “just a matter of doing it” after coming close twice.

India kick off their campaign in the mega-event, which will be played across six locations in New Zealand from March 4th, with a match against arch-rivals Pakistan on March 6th.

“We’ve shown we’re more than capable of winning the trophy, it’s just a matter of doing it now and the impact would be incredible. I can only imagine the impact that would have,” Mithali said in her column for ICC.

“I still remember the emotion of the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final, when I was so close to winning. The game against England was played in a packed Lord’s stadium and missing that chance will forever gall,” the skipper added.

“Bowling is a bit worrying ahead of the World Cup”

However, Raj openly admitted that the team’s bowling is a major concern at the ICC Women’s World Cup after the side’s 63-round loss in the fourth WODI against New Zealand on Tuesday.

India are now trailing 4-0 in the five-game series and Mithali’s bowling attack failed to defend 270 and 279 in the second and third games respectively. The team also failed to chase 276 in the opening game and a mammoth 192 in 20 overs in the fourth game.

“I’ve definitely tried a few combos with seam attack and spin attack. Bowling attack is a problem when you go into the World Cup,” Mithali said at the awards ceremony after the game after the loss.

Mithali acknowledged that bowlers were not consistent in their lines and lengths throughout the tour.

“We adapt to the conditions and to the open terrain and the breeze. We haven’t been very consistent in our bowling spells. I was just looking at Richa’s shots and she is a talented and exciting player for the future for India,” Mithali added.