In a crucial encounter during the World Cup, Smriti Mandhana emphasised India’s strategy of prioritizing points over net run rate (NRR) as they aim to secure their place in the tournament. Following a solid win against Pakistan, the team gears up for a challenging match against Sri Lanka, where smart batting and strategic decisions will be vital.
Points Over NRR: Mandhana’s Insights
After India’s six-wicket victory over Pakistan, Smriti Mandhana addressed the media and highlighted the team’s focus on securing points rather than solely improving their NRR.
The Indian batters faced challenging conditions during the match, and Mandhana acknowledged that both she and her opening partner Shafali Verma struggled to find their rhythm early on.Â
She stated, “Me and Shafali could not time the ball [in the PowerPlay] as well as we would have liked. So, we didn’t want to end up losing a lot of wickets. So, we were a little calculative.”
Mandhana reiterated that while NRR is important, the primary goal remains winning matches.
She explained, “You are probably thinking to get that run-rate to climb but you also have to win the match first, and that was the first priority for us.”
Her remarks underline the team’s commitment to a balanced approach, ensuring they remain competitive without taking unnecessary risks.
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A Tactical Approach Against Sri Lanka
As India prepares for their next match against Sri Lanka, the stakes are high. With both teams seeking crucial points, Mandhana emphasised the need for adaptability in their batting order based on the conditions and match situation.
“The wicket condition and the ground conditions are a lot different to what we thought when we [first] came here… It just depends on the match situation, who we are playing, and how the wicket is playing,” she noted, hinting at potential changes in strategy.
The match against Sri Lanka is pivotal for India as they look to build momentum and enhance their standings in the tournament.
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