India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes she is still far from her best despite smashing consecutive half-centuries to regain her touch.
In the Women’s T20 World Cup match in Leeds on Wednesday, India defeated the Netherlands by 95 runs to record their second successive triumph. Mandhana followed up her 68 against Pakistan with a fluid 74 off 47 balls.
India’s impressive 209/5, their best total in Women’s T20 World Cup history, was made possible by the left-hander’s dominant 115-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma (55).
“I wouldn’t say I was middling the ball the way I would still like to. I’m still a work in progress,” PTI quoted Mandhana as saying after the match.
She had gone ten innings across formats without a half-century until reaching fifty against Pakistan. Mandhana struck at a rate of 157-plus against the Netherlands, hitting 11 fours and one six, but she claimed the team had done its homework despite facing new opponents.
“Playing the Netherlands was unknown territory, so we had to watch a lot of videos to see how they go about it,” she said. “One thing we pride ourselves on is that we never take anyone easy.”
Mandhana was also happy to see young left-arm spinner Shree Charani continue her outstanding run and opening partner Shafali return to form.
“Good to have Shafali back among the runs and Shree Charani bowled extremely well,” she said.
Shafali’s readiness to contribute with the ball when needed was commended by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
“She’s always ready with the ball whenever the team needs it. She keeps giving us breakthroughs and she can go on to be a great all-rounder,” Harmanpreet said.
However, all-rounder Shreyanka Patil had to be stretchered off the stadium after twisting her right ankle during fielding, giving India a scare.
The squad is currently expecting a more thorough evaluation of the injury, according to Harmanpreet. “Right now, I don’t have a clear update,” she replied.
