NEW DELHI: India’s defeat to New Zealand within the Ladies’s T20 World Cup, adopted by an ultra-defensive batting strategy of their chase of 106 runs in opposition to Pakistan, has dealt a major blow to their possibilities of reaching the semi-finals.
India managed to chase down the modest goal in opposition to Pakistan on Sunday with some wrestle, dropping 4 wickets however with solely seven balls remaining.
At the moment fourth within the group standings with one win and one defeat in two matches and a poor web run charge of -1.217, India face a crucial path forward.
Former India fielding coach Biju George expressed disappointment with India’s strategy through the essential conflict in opposition to Pakistan.
“India ought to have come out all weapons blazing,” George mentioned in an unique interview with TimesofIndia.com.
India’s bowlers, led by Arundhati Reddy (3/19) and Shreyanka Patil (2/12), restricted Pakistan to 105/eight in 20 overs. Nevertheless, the Indian batters didn’t speed up and took 18.5 overs to achieve the goal.
“India bowled effectively, and their fielding was first rate, although there have been some fumbles and missed catches. But it surely was the batting that disenchanted. With solely 106 to chase, it was an amazing alternative to spice up the web run charge. India ought to have chased the goal inside 14 overs, which might have helped them tremendously,” George mentioned.
They’ll subsequent tackle Sri Lanka after which the formidable three-time defending champions Australia. To remain in competition for the semi-finals, India should defeat Sri Lanka by a considerable margin and edge Australia.
George is worried that India’s detrimental web run charge will hinder their possibilities of advancing to the semi-finals. Whereas he believes India can beat Sri Lanka, the match in opposition to Australia, on a tough Sharjah pitch, will probably be a lot more durable.
“Sure, India received in opposition to Pakistan, however the efficiency should have harm them. They now face an enormous job. In the event that they don’t safe a giant win in opposition to Sri Lanka, the match in opposition to Australia may flip right into a digital knockout,” George added.
“Taking part in Australia in Sharjah received’t be simple, particularly defending totals on that floor. India might want to go onerous in opposition to Sri Lanka after which discover a approach to beat Australia. That’s the one path to the semifinals now,” he mentioned.
When requested whether or not India had been underprepared for the event, George disagreed.
“I wouldn’t say they had been underprepared. They’d an extended camp earlier than the event and entered as one of many title contenders. Nevertheless, a number of gamers are carrying accidents,” he mentioned.
“Pooja Vastrakar is injured, and primarily based on Yastika Bhatia’s motion on the sphere, I imagine she’s carrying an damage as effectively. Health is a significant concern. In a giant event like this, you’ll be able to’t afford to have gamers with accidents or niggles. They should be absolutely match,” he famous.
Nevertheless, George concluded with a message to the Indian crew and followers: “Imagine. We are able to nonetheless do it.”
