India aware of Net Run Rate risk in competitive Group A
India’s players say they know that net run rate could be a factor if they are to make it out of Group A the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s India eased to a six-wicket win over neighbours Pakistan in a high-profile encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, reaching their target of 105 with seven balls to spare.
And the result gets India on the board in the tournament after a disappointing result in their opening game, when New Zealand inflicted a heavy defeat, winning by 58 runs in Dubai.
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However, India’s run rate remains in the negative numbers due to the nature of the loss to the White Ferns in their opening match, with the NRR currently at -1.217.
And following the drinks break during the modest chase against Pakistan there seemed to be a brief increase in tempo before Shafali Verma was out for 32.
India’s players say they were well aware that the chase represented a chance to improve their net run rate, but that making sure they won the game on a difficult surface was the priority at the start of their batting effort.
“We were thinking about it, but Shafali and I weren't able to time it well,” opening batter Smriti Mandhana said in her on-field interview after the game.
“We didn't want to get to a place where we were chasing the game, but NRR was in our heads.
“This game will give us some momentum, and hopefully, we can keep going in this tournament.”
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The issue of NRR was also raised in India post-match press conference, where Player of the Match Arundhati Reddy spoke to journalists.
“We understand net run rate is important, but also winning the game is all the more important for us,” Reddy said.
“Like you said again, net run rate will be in play especially in this group.
“Honestly today the wicket was playing a little slower. So obviously, the batters could not. The main thing was to finish the game.
“But we've discussed it, and we're looking forward to improve on it in the next few games.”
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India play Sri Lanka in their next match, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday 9 October, where they will be targeting a big victory.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side face defending champions Australia in their final Group A game on Sunday 13 October in Sharjah.
Remaining fixtures in Group A
Australia v New Zealand – Tuesday 8 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
India v Sri Lanka – Wednesday 9 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Australia v Pakistan – Friday 11 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Saturday 12 October (14:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
India v Australia – Sunday 13 October (18:00 local time), Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Pakistan v New Zealand – Monday 14 October (18:00 local time), Dubai International Cricket Stadium
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