ICC Women's World Cup 2022, India vs Pakistan: Top-Order Has To Score Runs In A Big Tournament Like This, Says Skipper Mithali Raj

Her team may have beaten Pakistan by 107 runs in their Women's World Cup opener but India skipper Mithali Raj on Sunday expressed concerns about the side's batting, especially the top-order. India posted 244 for seven and bowled out for 137 to record a convincing win at the Bay Oval. "I am happy we won the first game but a lot of things to work on. When you lose wickets in the middle order, it does put a lot of pressure. The top-order has to score runs in a big tournament like this," Raj said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"When you have all-rounders like Sneh (Rana), Deepti (Sharma) and Pooja (Vastrakar), we extend our batting line up. Hope Pooja would be fine before the next game." After opting to bat, India were reduced to 114/6 at one point, but Pooja Vastrakar (67) and Sneh Rana (53) put on a 122-run stand to lift India.

Earlier, India got off to a decent start, despite the loss of Shafali Verma (0) in the third over, with Smriti Mandhana (52) and Deepti Sharma (40) putting on 92 runs for the second wicket.

Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad did the star turn with the ball, returning with excellent figures of 4/31 after her full quota of 10 overs.

Seasoned pacer Jhulan Goswami bowled very well to finish the game with impressive figures of 2/29, while there were also two wickets for Rana (2/27), capping off her fine all-round show.

Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof admitted her team failed to capitalise on the momentum after they had India in deep trouble.

"We bowled well in the middle. We were in the game. We bowled some loose balls and Sneh as well as Pooja played well. Credit to them. We bowled some bad balls and gave away easy runs. We were sloppy on the field as well.

"I think we were doing well and