ICC Women's World Cup: We didn't have a batter to take the game deep, says Mithali Raj after India's defeat against New Zealand

Mithali Raj had no hesitation in admitting that top order's performance hasn't been up to the mark as India didn't have "a batter to take the game deep" in their 62-run defeat against New Zealand in the ICC Women's World Cup. India managed only 198 in a chase of 260 against the White Ferns after only 50 runs were scored off 20 overs here on Thursday. "Our batting, especially the top and middle order needs to fire because other teams are posting 250-260," Raj said at post-match presentation ceremony.

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New Zealand, who have dominated the Indians throughout this summer, didn't let anything change in a familiar script by first scoring a healthy 260 for 9. They then choked the 'Women in Blue' before bowling them out for only 198 in 46.4 overs. India have now slipped to fifth among eight teams after

"We thought it was chaseable but provided we had the top order going. But back-to-back wickets put a lot of pressure because we didn't have batter who can take it deep. "There was bounce and good carry off the surface but it was not a tough strip to bat on. Their seamers were hitting the right areas with the bounce, but it wasn't unplayable and we could have done better," she added. Raj has expressed the same concern after the win against Pakistan in India's campaign opener when the lower order made up for the faltering top order. The silver lining for India once again was the bowling effort according to the skipper as they were able to restrict the hosts, who were cruising towards a huge total at one stage, to 260 for 9. "Our bowlers have done well today and earlier as well. After the early wickets we got, the way they had a partnership I thought they'd get