Losing the second T20 International from a robust place was a bitter pillow to swallow, stated India women captain Smriti Mandhana, who blamed poor fielding for her aspect’s six-wicket defeat towards South Africa in Lucknow on Sunday (March 21).
After dropping the opening T20I by eight wickets, India have been in for a likelihood to degree the three-match T20I collection as SA Women wanted 19 runs from final 12 balls whereas chasing 159 to win. But Harleen Deol conceded two fours within the penultimate over and Arundhati Reddy bowled a no-ball when South Africa wanted six from closing two balls because the guests romped house within the final ball.
“It’s a bitter pillow to swallow. I thought 80 percent of it was our game but lost it in the end,” a disenchanted Mandhana stated, on the post-match presentation.
“We have a lot to learn and the way we fielded, we didn’t deserve to win the game. We have to work on our fielding standards.”
She, nevertheless, praised her batters for placing up a 150-plus rating. “The way our batters batted was amazing to watch and to get us to a 150-plus total. A lot of positives but lot to learn as well. We have to pull our socks and we are practising hard,” stated Mandhana, who scored 7 in India’s innings.
SA women captain Sune Luus stated her aspect performed fearless cricket. “We backed ourselves, taking part in fearless cricket which is what you need. It’s so good for our future. We know these gamers coming in, we again them, they again themselves and get the outcomes.
“Lot of work being done back home to get to where we are. It’s a chance for us to make it 3-0. Need a level of professionalism to give it our all.”
Player of the match for her 53 not out from 39 balls, Laura Wolvaardt stated, “I didn’t begin my innings as shortly as I might’ve preferred.
“But knew with this fast outfield we had a chance. It’s not about the individual shots, but it’s knowing when to play them.”
