Magnificent innings by Mandhana enables Indian women to beat England

By Kersi Meher-Homji 

The disappointment of India’s men team not qualifying for the Asia Cup final last week was compensated by Indian women easily beating England women by 8 wickets last night at Derby, England.

England women scored 6 for 142 in 20 overs, off-spinner Sneh Rana capturing 3 for 24. England was in deep trouble losing 5 for 54 in 9.3 overs but were saved by 17 year-old left-hander Freya Kemp who scored 51 not out with 3 fours and 3 sixes. 

India’s opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scored an unbeaten and magnificent 79 off only 53 balls, smacking 13 fours. She added 69 runs for the unbroken third wicket with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (29 not out with 4 fours). India reached the target with 8 wickets and 20 balls in hand.

Smriti Mandhana was named as Player of the Match. She said, “After the last match we needed to come back stronger and level the series. Was pushing myself not to play a rash shot and take it deep. It’s good to bat, good wicket. I found my touch back, timing the ball the way I want to. You go out as an opener and try to give your team a good start. I’m happy to contribute.”

A happy captain India captain Harmanpreet Kaur added: … “The way we played today I’m really happy. We discussed those things from Durham [where we lost a few days ago] and put that into practice. We have plans for the batters, it’s important to execute. Credit goes to the bowlers, the fielders did their bit. We want to show some improvements on that side. [On stand with Mandhana] Whenever we bat together, we have the confidence in how to calculate the innings. We know when to hit the boundaries and take those singles.”

The three T20 series is locked 1-all as England had won the first match by 9 wickets.

The third and final match in the series starts on Friday at Bristol.

Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=18427