India’s hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday brought relief, but former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressed disappointment over the team’s slow run-chase.
Chasing Pakistan’s modest total of 105 for 8, India took 18.5 overs to complete the six-wicket win, resulting in a net run rate (NRR) of -1.217. Pakistan, with an NRR of +0.555, remains ahead of India in Group A.
Manjrekar believes India could have been more aggressive in their pursuit of runs. “Winning is very important, but I am a little disappointed because New Zealand’s run-rate is +2.900, and that’s the team India need to catch up with,” he said.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was the only Indian batter to strike at a rate above 100.00, scoring 29 off 24 balls before retiring hurt with a neck injury. Opener Shafali Verma top-scored with 32 off 35 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 23 off 28 balls.
“India did win, but inside Harmanpreet will be feeling that they should have scored a little more briskly and won in a quicker time. It would have benefitted in the long run,” Manjrekar analyzed.
Opener Smriti Mandhana acknowledged that India’s start with the bat could have been better. “We could have done with a better start with the bat,” said Mandhana, who scored only 7. “But we will take this. We were thinking about it (NRR) but Shafali and I weren’t able to time it (the shots) well.”
Regarding Harmanpreet’s injury, Mandhana said, “Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright.”
India’s victory provides momentum, but the team must improve its run-rate to challenge New Zealand and Australia, who currently top Group A.
