ICC Women's World Cup: Five reasons why India can lift the trophy

#3 Formidable middle order

The hard-hitting batter will be the key for India in the middle order

In Mithali Raj, India have one of the most experienced players in world cricket. The stylish right-handed batter is the second highest run-getter in the international circuit and will shoulder the responsibility of the team with the bat.

With thousands of runs and big match experience under her belt, Raj is a vital cog in this young batting unit. Competing in her fifth World Cup, she will be well supported by Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy in the middle order.

The team will also be boosted by the comebacks of Smriti Mandhana and Mona Meshram in the high voltage tournament. While Meshram was a part of the squad in the last edition, Smriti will be competing in her first ICC World Cup.

Despite being plagued by injury in the lead-up to the tournament, Smriti has fond memories of playing in England as she recorded her first half century in the longest format of the game in a one-off Test match against the hosts at Wormsley last year.