Women's World T20: Hope to spend more time on field, says Mithali Raj after stellar knock against Pakistan

Former Indian T20 captain Mithali Raj who didn't get a bat in India's first match against New Zealand in the  ICC Women's World T20 showed her class in the second match of the tournament. Sent to open, Raj took her time and later accelerated playing some aerial shots as India coasted to a comfortable win against arch-rivals Pakistan. 

She scored a 47 balls 56 playing an anchor role ensuring that India face no hiccups while chasing 134 runs to record their second victory of the tournament. Raj also hit seven boundaries in her well constructed innings. India won by 7-wickets avenging their defeat in the last T20 World Cup, which was played in India. Later, taking to Twitter, Raj said, "

Thank you India for cheering us on! Great to see such engagement & support for the #WomenInBlue Hope to keep the momentum going & spend more time on the field :) See you on the 15th!

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 11, 2018

Couched in  a smiley, Raj made the point that she wants to spend more time on the field, an oblique reference to the fact that she wasn't sent to open in the first encounter. If there was any doubt regarding what message, Mithali Raj wanted to convey through Twitter to the team management, she later retweeted a tweet which said:

What a CLASS ACT by @M_Raj03 - bringing in much needed stability. #INDvPAK #WT20 : Need her at the top, need her to open, need her to stay, India on top of the table! #playerofthematch 

— ANNISHA.TARA (@annishasays) November 11, 2018

Mithali Raj is known for playing the holding game to perfection, often stitching big partnerships which the team needs. However, now with the likes of Rodrigues and Mandhana in the fray, Indian team is looking to increase its tempo in scoring. However, very few can underestimate the solidity Mithali Raj brings to the table and Sunday, by aggressively tackling the quality Pakistani bowlers, Mithali showed that she has the ability to change her game with time. It is unlikely that the team management will look to get Mithali down the order after the impressive performance against Pakistan.