[Watch] Smriti Mandhana Disappoints Again As Pakistan Foxes Her With Off-Side Trap
Mandhana dismissed cheaply [Source: Hotstar/Screengrab]
Another ICC match and another disappointing performance from India's Smriti Mandhana. She failed to deliver against New Zealand, and when the team needed her the most Vs Pakistan, she failed again.
India needed their best player to deliver the goods in the crucial contest Vs Pakistan, but the rival side had the perfect plan and they trapped Mandhana in it. Pakistan had only scored 105 runs in their allotted 20-overs, and they needed to get an early wicket to put pressure on the Indian side.
The Asian side decided to target Mandhana and set a packed off-side field, with almost 6 fielders surrounding the circle. Mandhana was kept on her toes as he failed on multiple occasions to pierce the gap, and her frustration creeped in as he played a loose shot and threw her wicket away.
Sadia Iqbal bowled a length ball outside the off and forced Mandhana to play her shot. The India opener went for a square drive and failed to keep it down as she found the fielder at point.
India eager for two points Vs Pakistan
India suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their opening contest. The team lost by 58 runs and that dented their net run-rate as the Harmanpreet Kaur led side are last in the points table.
From now on, the team needs to win all their remaining games, and need to ensure that the net run-rate which took a suffering gets a touch better. India will hope the target of 105 can be achieved in quick time.