As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup intensifies, India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has dismissed concerns regarding the team’s net run rate (NRR) ahead of their crucial match against Sri Lanka. Despite facing a challenging campaign, Mandhana emphasizes the importance of securing victories over worrying about NRR.
India’s journey in the tournament has been a mix of highs and lows, highlighted by a significant loss to New Zealand in their opening game, which has left them with a negative NRR. However, the team bounced back with a hard-fought win against Pakistan, albeit with a slow chase that didn’t help improve their NRR.
With four teams in Group A tied on two points, the competition is heating up. Mandhana remarked, “It’s always a balance between doing what’s best for the team and what we can do in terms of NRR.” She acknowledged that while the NRR was a consideration during the Pakistan match, the team’s priority remains winning.
Addressing the challenges of playing in the UAE, Mandhana noted, “The conditions here are quite different, and scoring quickly isn’t as easy as it may seem.” She expressed confidence that the focus should be on winning matches rather than getting overwhelmed by NRR calculations.
In terms of team dynamics, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur is fit to lead after a neck injury, though there are concerns about Pooja Vastrakar’s availability. Mandhana clarified that recent changes in batting order were strategic, tailored to match conditions.
As India prepares for their upcoming clash against Sri Lanka, the stakes are high. With only two teams progressing to the semi-finals, every match becomes crucial, and Mandhana’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the team’s path forward.
