Mandhana: This win can give us momentum

Media release

India will look to take the momentum of victory over Pakistan as they bid to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 according to opener Smriti Mandhana.

A good bowling performance set up a six-wicket win over their big rivals, with India chasing down 106 in the 19th over.

That leaves their net run-rate still a way back from top two Australia and New Zealand, but Mandhana, speaking at the post-match presentation following an injury to Harmanpreet Kaur, feels that this victory can be a launchpad for the team.

She said: “We have been very disciplined, followed the plans. In the field we were very good. Better start with the bat would have been good, but we will take that win.

“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.

“Sri Lanka have been playing good cricket but this game will give us the momentum.”

Next up for India will be Sri Lanka, with the status of skipper Kaur uncertain after she was forced to retire hurt with two runs left to get.

Arundhati Reddy was the standout bowler for India, with figures of three for 19 on her way to being named Player of the Match as Pakistan could manage just 105 for eight from their 20 overs.

Reddy felt it was her combination with Renuka Singh early on that put the pressure on Pakistan.

She said: “I have been bowling with the new ball lately. We had a good powerplay, Renuka and myself. We got a good start with the ball. I have worked a lot on my T20 bowling in all stages and it is helping me.

“The day games are hot, but we are used to this. I was trying to attack the stumps and that was my focus.”

Pakistan had won their opening game against Sri Lanka, but were always on the back foot in this one, even with some good bowling defending a small total.

Skipper Fatima Sana, who took two wickets in two balls to cause a little Indian wobble, admitted that the team had not got enough runs on the board after electing to bat.

She said: “We were not up to the mark in the batting. We were 10-15 runs short.”