The Hindu : Sport : Mithali helps India dethrone Kiwis

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 08, 2005

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Mithali helps India dethrone Kiwis

PUTTING HER BEST FOOT FORWARD: Mithali Raj lead from the front to put India in the final of the women's World Cup. — AP

POTCHEFSTROOM, APRIL 7. India knocked out holder New Zealand by 40 runs to make its first final in the women's World Cup.

After captain Mithali Raj had piloted the side to 204 for six in 50 overs with an unbeaten 91, India dismissed New Zealand for 164 to win the second semifinal here on Thursday. India will take on Australia in what will be a repeat of the men's World Cup final in South Africa during 2003.

For India, medium-pacer Amita Sharma and off-spinner Nousheen Al-Khader claimed three wickets each. It was all over for New Zealand in 43.3 overs when pace bowler Jhulan Goswami castled Rebecca Steele. Maria Fahey was left stranded on a brave 73 (94b, 4x4).

Mithali, who suffered an injury while fielding, was adjudged Player of the Match.

In pursuit of a stiff target, New Zealand made a disastrous start, losing opener Aimee Mason (0) who was run out off a direct hit from Jaya Sharma. Rebbeca Rolls (8) was then yorked by Amita and Nousheen had Maia Lewis (13) smartly stumped by Anju Jain and Haidee Tiffen (11) taken at slip. New Zealand was staring down the barrel at 37 for four and there was some hope when Sara McGlasham and Fahey put on 61 for the fifth wicket in 15.5 overs.

Crucial wicket

The stand was broken when left-arm spinner Neetu David sold a dummy to Sara (23) for Anju to do the rest. Fahey battled on, but New Zealand lost the tie.

Earlier, India, which was put in, lost its opener Jaya Sharma to medium-pacer Rachel Pullar with the score at seven. The total had reached 38 when the experienced Anju Jain fell to pace bowler Louise Milliken for 11.

Mithali held the Indian innings together. She strung together a crucial 66-run partnership in 18.4 overs with the left-hander Anjum Chopra for the third wicket. Anjum (44, 110b, 4x4) played some firm strokes

Anjum was finally well held at mid-off by Nicola Browne, left-arm seamer Rebbeca Steele being the bowler.

The Indian captain continued to bat fluently and built useful stands along the way during her unbeaten 91 (104b, 9x4), such as the 39-run association in 7.3 overs for the sixth wicket with Hemlata Kala (18 off 19 balls).

Mithali's effort had enabled India record its highest score in this competition. Pullar claimed four for 39 for New Zealand, but the side's fielding and catching left much to be desired.

The scores (semifinals): India 204 for six in 50 overs (Anjum Chopra 44, Mithali Raj 91, Rachel Pullar four for 39) bt New Zealand 164 in 43.3 overs (Maria Fahey 73 not out).

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