Introduction
In the build-up to the World T20 semifinals, stand-in India skipper Smriti Mandhana expressed satisfaction with the performance of the middle-order batters. India’s encounter against Nepal in Dambulla on Tuesday provided an opportunity for these batters to gain valuable match experience.
Middle-Order Steps Up
With regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur resting, Mandhana opted to adjust the batting lineup. Typically an opener, Mandhana chose to bat lower down the order, allowing others to shine. Openers Shafali Verma and Dayalan Hemalatha made a strong start, scoring 81 and 47 respectively, leading India to a commanding 122 in just 14 overs.
Solid Contributions Throughout the Lineup
Following the openers’ stellar performance, S Sajana and Jemmimah Rodrigues continued to build the innings, contributing 10 and 28 runs respectively. This solidified India’s total at 178 for 3. Nepal, in response, managed only 96 for nine in their 20 overs, resulting in an 82-run victory for India.
Mandhana’s Perspective
Mandhana highlighted the importance of this game for the middle-order batters. “As an opener, you don’t get many games where you don’t bat. It was a much-needed game for the other batters. The middle order hadn’t batted in the previous games,” she stated during the post-match presentation.
Preparation for World T20
Mandhana emphasized that this tournament, along with the past few months, has been part of their preparation for the World T20 in Bangladesh later this year. “Not only this tournament, but also in the last five or six months, our preparations started post WPL. We have a lot of fine-tuning to do and we must keep improving. We cannot go into a World Cup underprepared,” she explained.
Upcoming Semifinal Challenge
Looking ahead to the semifinals, where India might face Bangladesh, Mandhana stressed the importance of not underestimating any opponent. “You don’t take any team lightly. We have two days to rest and practice before we go out and apply ourselves,” she noted.
Shafali Verma’s Standout Performance
Shafali Verma, who scored a blistering 81 off 48 balls, was named the player of the match. Reflecting on her performance, Verma said, “The consistency is improving, but I could have finished the innings today.” She praised the confidence boost she received from scoring a double century in a recent Test match against South Africa.
Learning from Defeat
Nepal skipper Indu Barma acknowledged the learning experience from playing against strong teams like India and Pakistan. “I am proud of my team. We realized our weaknesses and will come back stronger. It was great exposure to play against India. We got good experience and made some good memories,” she commented.
India’s victory over Nepal showcased the depth and potential of their squad. With the semifinals approaching, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
