India Women vice-captain Smriti Mandhana defended her team’s ultra-defensive batting approach in a chase of 106 runs against Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.
India struggled to reach the winning target, ultimately reaching home with only seven balls to spare.
“A better start with the bat would have been good, but we will take that win,” Mandhana said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Before the Pakistan game, India’s net run rate was -2.90 and after the win, it has marginally improved to -1.217, but still inferior compared to Pakistan’s -0.555.
“Me and Shafali (Verma) could not time the ball. We didn’t want to end up losing a lot of wickets.
“We were a little calculative. The NRR is in our head,” she added.
About captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s injury, she said: “Too soon to say anything. The medical team is looking at it. Hope it’s not too bad.” She retired hurt after making 29 off 24 balls.
With inputs from PTI
