Mumbai: A listless Indian women’s team failed to click in all departments of the game as they were handed a five-wicket thumping defeat by Australia in their second warm up game ahead of the ICC World Cup here on Tuesday.
India could score just 222 for eight after opting to bat and the Australians chased down the target of 223 runs in 37.3 overs, despite losing a wicket in the first over.
The Indian batters were led by Harmanpreet Kaur in the absence of Mithali Raj and they started well. But soon after they began struggling and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They lost half their side for the score of 116.
Raj had viral fever in the morning, which prompted her to take rest, but the team manager later said that she was fine.
From the Australian side, Sthalekar was the chief tormentor and picked up three wickets for 29 runs in her six overs. Schutt snapped up two wickets, while Sarah Coyte, Renee Chappell and Holly Ferling picked up a wicket each.
The Australians lost their opener Mag Lanning but soon recovered from the blow and won the match comfortably with 11.3 overs overs to spare.
The Indian team will undergo practice under lights for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of their first World Cup game against West Indies on Thursday, which is a day-night encounter.
Indian vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur said her side would bat first on the flat track against the Windies at Brabourne Stadium if they win the toss. (PTI)
