Smriti Mandhana Downplays Net Run Rate Concerns as India Prepares for Sri Lanka Clash

Dubai, 9th October 2024: Following a victory over Pakistan, India finds itself at a disadvantage in net run rate due to a significant loss to New Zealand in their opening match. The Group A stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is poised for a thrilling conclusion, with four of the five teams tied at two points each.

After suffering a heavy defeat to the White Ferns in their first match, India managed to secure their first points by defeating Pakistan. However, the team required 18.5 overs to successfully chase down a target of 106, which did not substantially improve their net run rate from the earlier loss.

As India gears up to face Sri Lanka and then Australia, senior batter Smriti Mandhana downplayed concerns regarding their net run rate in this competitive group. “We were mindful of the NRR during the match against Pakistan,” Mandhana stated in a press conference before the Sri Lanka clash. “But the conditions here in the UAE are quite different, making it challenging to score quickly.”

“Our main focus is on winning the match; we need to balance what’s best for the team with our net run rate goals. I started well in the last game but ended up wasting too many balls, which was frustrating for me. We can’t approach each game with the mindset that we can just attack any opponent and win easily; the conditions and outfield are tough. Winning comes first, and we’ll tackle the NRR later. This group is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s just the beginning; we need to take it one day at a time.”

India faced a setback in their last match when captain Harmanpreet Kaur injured her neck late in the run chase, but Mandhana confirmed that Kaur is fit to play on Wednesday. Other injury concerns remain, particularly regarding Pooja Vastrakar, who missed the game against Pakistan and is still being monitored by the medical team. A decision on Vastrakar’s availability will be made on the morning of the match against Sri Lanka, according to Mandhana.

India’s rocky start to the tournament is also reflected in their quick adjustment of the No. 3 batting position between the two games. While Kaur batted at No. 3 in the opener against New Zealand, Jemimah Rodrigues took her place in the previous match. Mandhana explained that this change was due to the differing conditions.

“The wicket and ground conditions were not what we anticipated,” Mandhana noted. “The No. 3 position is determined by the match situation, the opponent, and the venue. It’s not all pre-planned; it will depend on what we need to chase, and we will consider that when deciding our batting order.”