The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, yet the Indian women’s cricket team continues to grapple with some uncertainties. Just days before the tournament kicks off in the UAE, the team secured a convincing victory in their second practice match against South Africa. Utilizing an impressive strategy of employing nine bowlers, India clinched a win by 28 runs. However, the ongoing struggle of the top order in the batting lineup raises concerns ahead of their campaign starting on October 3rd.
Concerns for India’s Top Order
In their recent warm-up match held on Tuesday, October 1st, at the ICC Academy in Dubai, the Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, once again relied heavily on their bowlers for success. This trend of the top-order batsmen failing to perform has been alarming, especially considering their previous match where key players—Shefali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Captain Kaur—struggled to make significant contributions.
This time, both Shefali and Harmanpreet exited the game early, while Smriti Mandhana found herself unable to convert her promising start into a substantial score. After winning the toss, Team India opted to bat first, but the innings got off to a shaky start with Shefali dismissed on only the second ball of the innings. A brief partnership developed between Smriti and Jemimah Rodriguez, but it faltered in the 9th over, leaving the middle-order to salvage the innings.
Despite these setbacks, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma struck a crucial partnership of 70 runs to bolster the team’s score. Their collective efforts led India to a total of 144 runs, losing 7 wickets. South African fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka proved to be a formidable opponent, claiming five wickets and disrupting India’s plans significantly.
Victory Anchored by Bowling Depth
On the bowling front, India’s strategy proved effective. Although South Africa’s opening pair managed a modest start with 37 runs, the Indian fast bowlers quickly took control, stifling any potential momentum. The spin department diligently followed suit, securing wickets at critical junctures. Captain Kaur’s decision to employ six spinners, including her own contributions, demonstrated strategic depth in the bowling lineup. Notably, leg spinner Asha Shobhana emerged as a standout performer, taking two vital wickets, while the South African team was restricted to a mere 116 runs in their 20 overs.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, Team India must address their batting inconsistencies if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament. With a solid bowling attack in place, the onus now lies on the top order to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
