Wellington: The repeated failure of India’s middle-order to up the game when it matters has convinced Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana that she has to “practically bat for 18 to 20 overs” for the team to stay in hunt during stiff chases. Mandhana smashed a 58-run knock off 34 balls but the Indian women’s cricket team failed to make it count as they were dismissed for 136 all out while chasing a target of 160.
“My wicket along with Jemimah’s turned out to be crucial. If you get out back-to-back in T20, it proves costly. When you are chasing 160 and the run-rate is above 7 or 8, next time we have to plan and play better. It didn’t work out today,” Mandhana said after the match.