Team India are currently taking on the hosts, New Zealand in their second game of the ICC Cricket World Cup. After having won the toss, Mithali Raj elected to field first and they have a good start to their innings. A sensational direct throw from the all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar provided them with the first breakthrough as well.
It happened during the third over of the game when the veteran Jhulan Goswami bowled Sophie Devine, who played it to the off-side with a soft hand and called Suzie Bates for a single. It would have been a good single had they completed it. However, Pooja Vastrakar was quick to pick up the ball and throw directly at the keeper’s end. Bates, who was running towards the dangerous end, couldn’t reach the crease and India eventually got their first breakthrough. And, Bates got out for 5 off 10 as well.
Move away everyone.#TeamIndia have the first wicket Suzie bates is run out with a brilliant direct hit from Pooja Vastrakar.#CWC22 #NZvIND #CricketTwitter #Cricket pic.twitter.com/vC7fmvsG7j
— Asli BCCI Women (@AsliBCCIWomen) March 10, 2022
As far as the team is concerned, New Zealand have been playing with the same playing XI. But India made one change. They dropped the young batting sensation Shafali Verma. And, Yastika Bhatia came in place of her. Shafali has been going through a poor form for quite some time now.
“Shafali has already proved herself. She is a very exciting cricketer. But these things happen with every cricketer,” Jhulan Goswami said at the eve of their second game. “I am sure she is working hard really well in the nets, she is batting well in the nets; she is hitting the ball really well. She is just one big knock away and if she gets an opportunity, I am sure she is going to do well.”
READ MORE: ‘I Want To Focus On My Strength And Want To Bowl In Line And Length’ – Pooja Vastrakar
Mithali Raj, the India captain said: “We’ll have a bowl. Looks a good wicket and later on, there could be dew which will make batting easier. Also we depend a lot on spinners, so better to bowl first. One change – Yastika replaces Shafali at the top.”
Pooja Vastrakar bowled a sensational spell – 10-0-34-4
Meanwhile, Pooja Vastrakar has bowled a sensational spell. She claimed 4 wickets in her 10 overs spell, conceding only 34 runs. She started with New Zealand captain Sophie Devine’s dismissal in the 11th over. A shorter length delivery bounced a bit extra and Devine, who tried to cut it away got a thick edge. And, Richa Ghosh took a stunner behind the stumps.
Her second wicket came when she dismissed the dangerous-looking Amy Satterthwaite. It was a full-length delivery on pads and Satterthwaite flicked it for a big one but found Mithali Raj at mid-wicket. She did no mistake and sent her in for 75. However, Pooja Vastrakar struck twice in the 47th over again when she removed Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr in the respective deliveries as well.
However, New Zealand posted a decent competitive total of 260 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
