Image: Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal run between the wickets.
VISAKHAPATNAM: The Indian women’s cricket team’s top-order batting has become a significant worry in the ongoing World Cup. After three matches, despite securing two wins against one loss, the team has struggled to perform consistently as a cohesive batting unit. This issue was starkly evident in collapses against Sri Lanka (reduced to 124/6), Pakistan (203/7), and most recently, South Africa (102/6).
Opener Smriti Mandhana has found it tough to hit her stride, managing a mere 54 runs across three matches. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (49), Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Pratika Rawal (105), and Harleen Deol (107) have also experienced similar challenges at the crease. Fortunately, crucial contributions from Richa Ghosh (131) and players like Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur have helped avert more significant disasters for the team.
Richa Ghosh, the team’s wicketkeeper-batter, remained optimistic despite the top-order’s struggles. “They are all excellent players, and a single match doesn’t define their capabilities,” she stated. “Cricket is unpredictable, and our goal is always to perform our best. It’s unfair to solely blame the top order. We will analyze our performance, continue to learn daily, and maintain a positive mindset. The lessons from this match will be crucial for our future games.”
The cautious approach by India’s opening pairs, evident in stands of just 14 against Sri Lanka, 48 against Pakistan, and 55 against South Africa, has adversely affected the subsequent batters. This has led to difficulties in rotating the strike and finding boundaries consistently. Furthermore, Indian batters have shown a particular vulnerability against left-arm spinners, having lost 12 wickets to this bowling style – the highest by any team in the tournament.
Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been dismissed by left-arm spin in all three matches, acknowledged the significant advantage a left-arm spinner brings to any side. “Especially given the playing conditions in places like Guwahati and Sri Lanka, it’s often a boon for a left-arm finger spinner,” she noted. “As batters, our focus remains on consistent practice and keeping our strategies straightforward. By knowing our strengths and executing them well, we believe things will eventually come together.”