Women's World Cup: We didn't play as a unit in the final, says Windies skipper Aguilleira

They came in as underdogs, are going out at as World Cup runners-up but West Indies women's cricket team captain Merissa Aguilleira is not exactly elated given the way her side collapsed in the final against Australia.

West Indies lost by a whopping 114 runs to the Aussies in a lopsided contest. It was sharp contrast to Caribbeans' spirited win against the same opponents in the Super Six stage.

"Our batting has been a downfall for us throughout this tournament. We went out there and we didn't execute well so I guess that was definitely an area," she said.

"I think we went out with a mission and that was to be first place but after all things happen and we didn't play as a unit as we are accustomed to playing. So, there is so much room for improvement, we have done well but still there is a lot to be done as well," she explained.

But Aguilleira also highlighted positives for her side after a dream run.

"From fifth place to second place is extremely wonderful and I believe the people of the Caribbean will be pleased with us, so there is so much to be thankful for.

"It is a really huge accomplishment. We have never reached a World Cup final but we are here. We had Stafanie Taylor who made 171. Deandra (Dottin), people have come to know her because of her power hitting."

"We played well and there were many positives, but as I said, there is room for improvement as well," Aguilleira said.

Reflecting on Sunday's match, Aguilleira said the toss was crucial as the team batting first had won all the day night matches.

"The toss, we know that all the teams that have batted first have won all the day-night matches. Losing the toss was really crucial for us but we knew that we had to go out there and apply ourselves.

"Our main bowler Tremayne (Smartt), she really bowled well throughout the tournament but she didn't get the start. We tried, but it didn't happen," she said.

Asked why she didn't utilise the services of Deandra Dottin in the bowling department, the Aguilleira said, "Well Deandra has got a groin injury so that was one of the reasons why we didn't bowl her, because we were saving her in the lines of batting. We didn't want to risk anything.

Despite the asking rate being high, Aguilleira said at one stage they could have chased down the total if they had managed to see off pacer Elysse Perry, who wrecked the top order and finished with three for 19.

"The main thing was to try to see off Perry and Lisa (Sthalekar) as well. I believed we could attack the other bowlers with the likes of Deandra coming in.

"With the run rate at seven-eight, we could still get it. That was the plan but it didn't really work out. We just have to continue working hard," she said.