What is Smriti Mandhana's Record vs Pakistan?

Smriti Mandhana will be key for India Women in the match against the Pakistan Women [X]Smriti Mandhana will be key for India Women in the match against the Pakistan Women [X]

The Indian women's team is preparing themselves for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. The Asia Cup, starting on July 19, will serve as a preparatory ground for the team ahead of the marquee event. 

The reigning and seven-time Asia Cup champions, India, will be starting off their campaign with a match against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. This match will be played at the Rangiri International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. 

The wicket at Dambulla looks like a good batting track, and a lot will depend on the batting lineup of the teams in deciding the fate of the game. A good start by the openers might put a side ahead in the competition. This is where Smriti Mandhana becomes important for India. 

Before this all-important match, let us have a look at the T20I records of Smriti Mandhana against Pakistan. 


Smriti Mandhana vs Pakistan (T20Is)

Matches
Innings
Runs
Average
50s
8818726.711

The numbers of Smriti Mandhana against Pakistan women are not too encouraging. However, an average of 26.71 may be considered in women's cricket, and hence, we can say that even though her record is not outstanding, it is decent.


Smriti Mandhana in Sri Lanka (T20Is)

Matches
Innings
Runs
Average
50s
877310.420

The southpaw enjoys the ball coming onto the bat and struggles when the ball holds up on the surface. Smriti's numbers at Sri Lanka prove the fact the dynamic Indian opener struggles on the slow and low track of Sri Lanka.


Concern for India Women?

While Smriti Mandhana has average numbers against Pakistan, her numbers are below par in Sri Lanka. So, will it be a concern for the Indian team when they face their arch-rivals in the opening game of the Asia Cup?

As far as the playing conditions are concerned, this pitch at Rangiri is expected to be different from a typical Sri Lankan track. The ball will be coming onto the bat, and that is something Smriti Mandhana will enjoy during her time in the middle. 

However, as far as the opponents are concerned, how she plays in this game will depend on her nerves and current form. She is carrying brilliant form into this match, and now the rest depends on how Mandhana handles the pressure on the day and gets herself going.