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"I'll take it on myself": Smriti Mandhana owns up to India's loss after 88 vs England

Soumyajit Dutta

Smriti Mandhana [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.com]Smriti Mandhana [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.com]

India Women endured a disappointing outing against England Women on October 19 in Indore. Despite a flawless 88 from Smriti Mandhana that had India cruising towards a comfortable victory, her dismissal in the 42nd over triggered a dramatic collapse. 

The hosts eventually suffered a narrow four-run defeat, which ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup.

Smriti Mandhana points herself out in disappointing loss

Speaking after the match, Smriti Mandhana reflected on the poor shot selection that led to the batting collapse.

"I was trying to aim more over covers. I mistimed that shot. I just needed to be more patient because throughout the innings I was trying to tell myself to be patient and not to play aerial shots. But maybe the emotions took over for that one, which never helps in cricket. Especially it [the collapse] started from me so I will take it on me that the shot selection should have been better. I'll take it from myself because the collapse started from me," Mandhana said.

What made the loss even more frustrating was that, even after Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal, India needed just 55 runs off 52 balls with six wickets in hand. 

Mandhana acknowledges the 'bad stuff'

Mandhana, like most spectators, believed India was on course to seal the game, but a late-order choke changed the outcome. She later pointed out that poor shot selection from the team as a whole contributed heavily to the defeat.

"I think everyone's shot selections at that time - we could have done better with our short selections...but walking back for sure, I mean, I was pretty confident that we'll be able to get the win, but I mean, it's cricket, you can't ever think too ahead," Mandhana added.

Nevertheless, India will now face New Zealand on October 23 in Navi Mumbai. Both teams will be eyeing the final semi-final berth, with Australia, England, and South Africa already securing their places in the knockout stage.