New Delhi: Despite a resounding win over Pakistan, the Indian women’s cricket team faces a challenging path in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, trailing in net run rate in Group A after a heavy defeat against New Zealand in their opening match.
India, after a heavy defeat to the White Ferns in their opening match, secured their first points in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a win over Pakistan. However, their slow chase of 106 in 18.5 overs did little to improve their net run rate, keeping them at a disadvantage in Group A.
With four of the five teams in Group A tied at two points each, the group stage is set for a dramatic finish. India, despite being pre-tournament favorites, will need to deliver strong performances swiftly to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
As India gears up for crucial matches against Sri Lanka and Australia, senior batter Smriti Mandhana dismissed concerns over the net run rate situation in the tightly contested “Group of Death,” emphasizing that the team’s focus remains on winning their upcoming games.
“It (NRR) was playing in our minds last match against Pakistan,” said Mandhana in the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Sri Lanka. “But the conditions are very different here in UAE and scoring quickly isn’t quite easy.”
“The first priority is to win the match and it’s a balance between what is best for the team and what we can do in terms of NRR. I started off fine last game but I consumed dot balls later on, which was irritating for me.
“We can’t go out there thinking we are going to attack any opposition and cruise, conditions and outfield are difficult. The first priority is winning than thinking of NRR in these situations. The group is definitely tricky, but it’s just the start, we don’t want to think too much ahead. One day at a time,” she said.
In addition to the net run rate challenge, the Indian team management remains cautious about injury concerns, particularly regarding Pooja Vastrakar, who missed the match against Pakistan and continues to be monitored by the medical team.
There is positive news for the Indian team as Smriti Mandhana announced that skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has recovered from her neck injury and is available for selection. Harmanpreet had been injured during the latter part of India’s run-chase against Pakistan. While her return boosts the squad ahead of the crucial clash against Sri Lanka, a decision on Pooja Vastrakar’s availability will be made on the morning of the match.
India’s uncertain start to the tournament has been evident, including changes in the No. 3 spot in the batting order during their first two games.
Harmanpreet Kaur batted at No. 3 in India’s opening match against New Zealand, but Jemimah Rodrigues took her place after the first wicket fell during the game against Pakistan. Smriti Mandhana explained that this adjustment was made to adapt to the varying conditions of each match.
“The wicket conditions and ground conditions changed from what we expected,” Mandhana said. “It (No.3 role) depends on the match situation, who we are playing, where we are playing. I wouldn’t say it was all planned. It would depend on what we are chasing also, we will keep that in consideration to decide on the batting order.”
On the other hand, Sri Lanka too are fighting for survival in the tournament following defeats in their first two matches. Chamari Athapaththu’s side had entered the tournament on a high following a historic first-ever series win against England and a maiden Asia Cup triumph.
But big defeats to Pakistan and Australia have pushed them to the brink and the Islanders will be looking up to their talismanic batter Athapaththu to put them back on the rails. The skipper, who has a big reputation as one of the premier batters in this format and is much sought after in franchise cricket, has failed to fire in the first two matches.
