Coach Deitz calls for improved bowling performance | sport

VADODARA, India (CMC):

West Indies Women head coach Shane Deitz has expressed his disappointment with the regional team’s bowling performance after two heavy defeats against India in the ongoing One Day International series.

In the opening game on Sunday, India scored 314 for nine from their 50 overs, their second-highest total at home in an ODI, and handed the West Indies their worst ODI defeat by an embarrassing 211 runs.

India returned on Tuesday and amassed 358 for five, their highest ODI score overall, winning by 115 runs and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

During a post-match press conference, Deitz admitted that the bowling was subpar in the two ODIs.

“(Our bowling) was very disappointing. In the last few months before the World Cup, bowling was a real strength of ours.

“We haven’t been able to bowl consistent lines and lengths or bowl to one field and with the good wickets here with fast outfields you have to be able to cut off one side of the field and bowl to one side of the field. We didn’t succeed,” explained Deitz.

“We lost two balls in at least four balls and the Indian team fought really well and punished everything we missed.

“Obviously Chinelle Henry is our main fast bowler and she was injured which was a big mistake for us. We couldn’t get any wickets in the powerplay,” he added.

Although they have already lost the series, Deitz said it is important that the West Indies, who are currently ninth in the ICC Women’s Championship table, finish the series well.

He pointed out that valuable points were still at stake as only the top six teams were guaranteed a place at the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in India in August-September.

“We still have a game left so it’s a chance for us players to improve and get a win.

“Automatic qualification for the World Cup must be our goal,” said Deitz.