2nd ODI: Harmanpreet Kaur Emphasizes Need for Strategic Review of Bowling Tactics
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Brisbane, Dec 8 (NationPress) After suffering a significant 122-run loss against Australia and consequently losing the series, captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed that the team needs to revisit their strategies and carefully consider their bowling tactics.
At the sunlit Allan Border Field, India appeared completely ineffective in their bowling strategy, allowing Australia to amass an enormous 371/8. This score now stands as the highest ever conceded by India in women's ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 338/7 set by Australia earlier this year at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Aside from Saima Thakor’s impressive 3-62, it was a day to forget for India with the ball, as they were thoroughly dominated by centurions Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry, along with half-centurions Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney. Leg-spinner Priya Mishra recorded figures of 1-88 in her 10 overs, marking the most expensive bowling performance by an Indian bowler in women's ODIs.
Chasing a daunting target of 372 was always going to be challenging for India, especially in the absence of Priya Punia due to injury. Despite a solid 54 from makeshift opener Richa Ghosh and an unbeaten 46 from debutant Minnu Mani, India lost wickets consistently, ultimately getting bowled out for 249.
India's lackluster series defeat against Australia raises concerns, particularly with the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup approaching on home soil. “In bowling, we need to go back and think about plans. We expected some more movement but we didn't get that here. We need to bat a bit longer and bat a full 50 overs moving forward. We had a few 40s but couldn't convert them into fifties or hundreds,” stated Harmanpreet post-match.
“We did form some partnerships despite the large total. We maintained a positive approach, seeking boundaries, but fell short by a few runs. We created some opportunities with the ball but failed to capitalize. They batted exceptionally well, credit goes to them,” Harmanpreet added.
Australia's captain Tahlia McGrath remarked on how delightful it was to witness the batters accumulate substantial runs, highlighting Georgia’s maiden ODI century and Ellyse's 105. "It was genuinely enjoyable to watch. The Volley 100 was clearly a standout, but everyone in the top four performed well, making it nice to just observe their success,” she commented.
“There's a certain confidence in her play. She executed some beautiful drives early on and seemed completely at ease. I was uncertain how they would dismiss her. From the moment Ellyse entered the field, her intent was evident,” she continued.
“There was also some impressive six-hitting. That’s our identity, taking the game forward and establishing a foundation, and our top four executed it flawlessly today.”
She also mentioned the challenges posed by having numerous bowlers available when making bowling changes during the match. “It's genuinely a challenge. Each time I consider a bowling change, I have seven bowlers in mind. It’s a real test,” she stated.
“Today involved short spells, constantly adjusting. I aimed to extract more from the pitch, so we need to stick to simple plans. Hopefully, we'll see some bounce at the WACA,” she concluded.
