Mithali146;s ton helps India record easy win in final

The Indian cricket team, which departs for Pakistan tomorrow, were at an official dinner meeting with BCCI President Sharad Pawar this eveni...

The Indian cricket team, which departs for Pakistan tomorrow, were at an official dinner meeting with BCCI President Sharad Pawar this evening when the news of their female counterparts winning the Asia Cup came in. Playing the final against Sri Lanka at National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, India successfully defended the title which they had won two years ago in Sri Lanka.

India thrashed the Lankans by 97 runs, thanks to a blistering 108 not out by captain Mithali Raj. The team was left in a commanding position at 269/4 before the bowlers, led by Devika Palshikar8217;s three-wicket haul, made light work of the Lankans reducing them for a mere 172 runs.

In a stadium sans spectators, the teams played in the presence of former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram. Speaking to The Indian Express from Karachi, Indian captain Mithali said that her team was 8216;8216;feeling great8217;8217; after retaining the title to reassure themselves of their dominance in Asia. 8216;8216;It was a wonderful victory for us. We were confident that this could be achieved easily but the team made it a point not to take it easy,8217;8217; Mithali said.

The captain described the conditions in Karachi as 8216;8216;perfect8217;8217; for batting. 8216;8216;Bowling has been a weak factor for the teams in this tournament. We, probably, made best use of the options available and bowlers like Neetu David, Jhulan Goswami and Devika did well.8217;8217; Mithali emphasised the fact that conditions in Pakistan could be very different to India, where ball movement is much more. 8216;8216;For a team trying to reap benefits with the new ball, it is necessary that they are in control of the seam and get to understand the line required,8217;8217; she says.

The easy-going tournament and eventually the victory in final has turned out to be a boon in disguise for the Indians looking to make an impression on their tour of Australia and New Zealand. 8216;8216;Our bowlers are now confident after the victory here. We hope we go to Australia in a similar state of mind because that is where our abilities will be put to real test,8217;8217; says Mithali.

The Indians haven8217;t still forgotten the thrashing they received at the hands of Aussies in the World Cup final. There is a glimmer of hope this time that India will be in a better position to handle Australia, keeping in mind that 8216;8216;form and fitness8217;8217; are also on their side.