Trisha Ghosal in England
Just a day after their narrow defeat in the 50-over warm-up, India Women endured another close loss in Beckenham, falling seven runs short in a high-octane T20 against the ECB Women Select XI. Chasing 195, they were in contention for most of the innings, but once again lost momentum at the finish despite Richa Ghosh’s spirited effort.
Flying Start for ECB Select XI
Opting to bat first, ECB’s openers came out all guns blazing. Bryony Smith was the aggressor, smashing a 33-ball 62 that featured crisp timing and fearless hitting. She and Maia Bouchier added 77 runs in just 7.2 overs to give their side a blazing start. Sneh Rana eventually broke through in her first over, halting the early carnage. Though Hollie Armitage threatened with a rapid 48 off 32, India’s bowlers struck at key intervals in the second half. Rana and Amanjot Kaur picked up two wickets each, with Amanjot striking twice at the death. The last ten overs brought India some control as they kept ECB to 194 for 8.
Mandhana Lights Up the Powerplay
India’s response was brisk, thanks largely to a fluent Smriti Mandhana. She dominated the powerplay with a 28-ball 47, lacing nine boundaries in typically elegant fashion. Shafali Verma managed just 13, and Amanjot’s surprise promotion to No. 3 did not pay off as she scored only 15. Mandhana’s dismissal just after the powerplay checked India’s momentum, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur reignited the chase with a quickfire 28 off 16.
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz
Richa Ghosh Stands Tall, but Support Wanes
With the asking rate climbing, Richa Ghosh took charge in the closing overs. She struck crucial boundaries off Kirstie Gordon and Mady Villiers to keep India in the hunt, but her dismissal in the 18th over to Sarah Glenn, who finished with 3 for 29, all but ended India’s hopes. Needing 21 from the final 10 balls, India managed just six runs and lost two more wickets.
Lessons Ahead of the Series
Two warm-up losses in two days might sound ominous, but there were some positives in India’s performance. However, their middle-order consistency and finishing power will need sharper execution before the series proper begins.
Also Read: Deol Ton in Vain as India Women Fall Short in High-Scoring Warm-Up