A remarkable batting collapse after Smriti Mandhana’s record fifty led to India Women’s unexpected loss to New Zealand in the first T20I at Wellington on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 160, India were on course till Mandhana was at the crease but as soon as she was dismissed for 58 off 34 balls, India lost their way and got bowled out for 136, losing the match by 23 runs.
After the game, Mandhana made her debut on the popular Chahal TV, hosted by men team’s spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. The latest episode began with Chahal cheekily asking Mandhana whether she was inspired by his batting performance during the fourth ODI of the recently-concluded five-match series in New Zealand.
Mandhana jokingly replied that she was inspired after watching Chahal bat in New Zealand and he is one of her inspirations when it comes to batting.
“Yes, yes. I was inspired a lot after seeing you bat in the 4th ODI (vs New Zealand in Hamilton). I felt like I have to develop my game. You’re one my inspirations when it comes to batting,” Mandhana said.
Mandhana, meanwhile, also took a dig over the repeated Indian women team’s middle-order collapses, humorously saying that she needs to bat till 20 overs.
“Practically, I would say I have to bat till 20 overs, that is the best option. The more I bat till 18 overs, we won’t collapse because if the top three or 4 batters can bat till the 18-20th overs then rest can revolve around them, so tactically that is what I will try to do,” Mandhana had said.