Cricket

India's hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday brought relief, but former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressed disappointment over the team's slow run-chase.Chasing Pakistan's modest total of 105 for 8, India took 18.5 overs to complete the six-wicket win, resulting in a net run rate (NRR) of -1.217. Pakistan, with an NRR of +0.555, remains ahead of India in Group A.Manjrekar believes India could have been more aggressive in their pursuit of runs. "Winning is very important, but I am a little disappointed because New Zealand's run-rate is +2.900, and that's the team India need to catch up with," he said.Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was the only Indian batter to strike at a rate above 100.00, scoring 29 off 24 balls before retiring hurt with a neck injury. Opener Shafali Verma top-scored with 32 off 35 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 23 off 28 balls."India did win, but inside Harmanpreet will be feeling that they should have scored a little more briskly and won in a quicker time. It would have benefitted in the long run," Manjrekar analyzed.Opener Smriti Mandhana acknowledged that India's start with the bat could have been better. "We could have done with a better start with the bat," said Mandhana, who scored only 7. "But we will take this. We were thinking about it (NRR) but Shafali and I weren't able to time it (the shots) well."Regarding Harmanpreet's injury, Mandhana said, "Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright."India's victory provides momentum, but the team must improve its run-rate to challenge New Zealand and Australia, who currently top Group A.

After their disappointing loss to New Zealand, the Indian women's cricket team made a strong comeback against Pakistan in the Group A match of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India restricted Pakistan to a modest total of 105/8, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Arundhati Reddy, who claimed three wickets.Pakistan's batters struggled to find their rhythm against India's disciplined bowling attack. However, the Indian fielders were guilty of some sloppy fielding, allowing Pakistan to score a few extra runs. Despite the fielding lapses, Richa Ghosh stood out with an exceptional catch to dismiss Fatima Sana off the bowling of Asha Shobhana. The catch was widely praised on social media, with many calling it "one of the greatest catches."Meanwhile, Diana Baig and Pooja Vastrakar were notable absentees from the playing XIs. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on the fresh pitch. India, on the other hand, entered the match with a negative net run rate after their heavy loss to New Zealand.Pakistan's decision to bat first backfired as they struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals. Arundhati Reddy was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 3/23 in her four overs. Deepti Sharma and Asha Shobhana also chipped in with two wickets each.In response, India's batters chased down the target with relative ease, reaching 106/2 in 17.2 overs. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a solid start, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh finished the job with unbeaten knocks.The victory was a much-needed boost for India, who had been under pressure after their loss to New Zealand. It also marked a significant milestone for the Dubai International Stadium, which hosted its 100th T20I match.

India's thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was a testament to the team's resilience and the brilliance of its individual players. After a shaky start with the bat, India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul, kept Pakistan in check. Rishabh Pant's counter-attacking knock of 42 and Axar Patel's crucial 20 runs at number four proved decisive.In a post-match interview, Axar revealed that his promotion to the batting order was made easier by Pant's jovial demeanor. "He was joking around and having fun between deliveries," said Axar. "He knew that I would become a little easy."Axar's bowling plan against Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim was to avoid giving him any balls in his range. "I talked to Rohit bhai and told him I would bowl in the cut," said Axar. "If he hits the four on the cut or the cover, then it is okay. Because that is a very difficult shot."Pant, who took three crucial catches in the game, said his gameplan was to play with a positive mindset. "India-Pakistan is always a match of pressure," said Pant. "We were talking to each other and we were getting comfortable with each other. We did not think much about the situation."Mohammed Siraj, who scored valuable runs in the end, said he has been practicing his batting a lot in the nets. "All the runs made by the tailenders are very crucial at the end of the day," said Siraj. "I am very happy with those seven runs and I won the match."Regarding his bowling plan, Siraj said he wanted to keep things simple. "My only plan was to get a low score," said Siraj. "I do not try too much. I keep a simple plan and execute it wherever I can."India's victory was a collective effort, with each player contributing in their own way. Bumrah's match-winning spell, Pant's counter-attacking knock, Axar's crucial runs, and Siraj's valuable runs and wickets were all key factors in India's success.