SA-W vs IND-W: “We could not capitalise as a batting unit” – Smriti Mandhana after 1st T20I loss

Smriti_Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana (PC: BCCI Women/X)

India Women put up 157/7 in 20 overs against South Africa Women on April 17 in the first of the five-match T20I series, but the Proteas chased it down comfortably with six wickets in hand in Durban.

Reflecting on the performance during the post-match presentation, Smriti Mandhana admitted that while the team started well with the bat, they could not function as a unit.

“We definitely started well with the bat. Shafali Verma really got going. We could not capitalise as a batting unit,” she said, pointing out that the early momentum was not converted into a bigger total.
She also highlighted the team’s fighting spirit with the ball despite losing control at one stage. “Even though we lost our way in the bowling innings, we came back really well to take this match to the last over, speaks a lot about the players,” she added, emphasising the positives from the comeback effort.

Looking ahead, she stressed that the team would take lessons from the match. “A lot of learnings for sure. We’ve had one month almost after the Australia series. Everyone’s getting into the groove, so I’m sure this match, we’ll all go back and think about what we have to work on and come back stronger.”

With the next game being a day match, she expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. “We had two sessions in the afternoon here when we came. So, I’m sure that all the girls will be well prepped.”

Speaking about her own batting, she remained optimistic despite the setback. “Been batting well in the nets, but couldn’t come up today, got out unfortunately. But if you get out on a low score, you’re always pumped to go out in the next match and again get a big one and win the match for the country.”

Mandhana scored only 13 runs off 14 balls at a strike rate of 92.86, including only one six. However, the second T20I is set to take place on April 19 in Durban.

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The post SA-W vs IND-W: “We could not capitalise as a batting unit” – Smriti Mandhana after 1st T20I loss appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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