Raj ton puts India seventh

Captain Mithali Raj’s unbeaten hundred earned a six-wicket win over Pakistan and seventh place for hosts India at the Women’s World Cup.

Mithali Raj steered India to a comfortable victory over Pakistan at Cuttack, clinching seventh spot at the Women's World Cup

Raj’s 103 from 141 balls overhauled Pakistan’s 192 for seven with four overs to spare at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, which hosted the largest crowd of the tournament.

India, who surprisingly did not reach the Super Sixes after beating West Indies in the competition’s opening game, owed much to 3-35 from Nagarajan Niranjana and 2-17 from Jhulan Goswami in limiting their opponents.

That Pakistan, who were 60 for four after winning the toss, scored as many as they did was thanks chiefly to Nain Abidi’s 58 and 10 more from Nida Dar.

In reply the hosts were reduced to 108 for four, but Raj and Reema Malhotra completed victory.