Women’s T20 World Cup, Group Stage: India defeated Ireland by 5 runs, according to the Duckworth Lewis method on Monday and make their way to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup.
Earlier, the rain had stopped the match as the players went off and the covers came on at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Ultimately the play could not continue and Ireland left the World Cup without a win in their kitty.
Rain Gods show no Mercy
The rain and strong gusts forced the umpires to take the players off the field, with Ireland 54/2 in 8.2 overs in pursuit of 156. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) par score was 59 at that stage, and as the match was subsequently abandoned, India emerged victorious by five runs.
The underdogs, who had lost their previous three games in the competition, needed a further 102 runs in 70 balls. India would still have been favourites, but may have had to endure some anxious moments if the partnership between Gaby Lewis and skipper Laura Delany continued for a few more overs.
Mandhana hits career-best 87 as India Books a spot in Semi-Final
Smriti Mandhana hit a career-best 87 runs as India posted 155/6 against Ireland on Monday. Along with Shafali Verma, the opener led India to a steady powerplay, posting 42/0 in 6 overs. Later, after Verma fell in the 10th over, the southpaw stitched a 50-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur which went a long way in helping India post a fighting total. Earlier, Kaur had won the toss and opted to bat first.
Smriti Mandhana, Player of the Match:
“The finger is fine. One of the most toughest innings I would have played. Not the wicket but the pace they were bowling and with the wind, it got worse. [Conversation with Shafali] We were telling each other to try and maintain our shape. I was batting bad and she was not timing it well. But we were trying to discuss that and there was a lot of wind and we needed to get used to the pace they were bowling. Good to post some runs and go into the semis. The England match wasn’t the way we wanted.”
India yet to tick all the boxes
India achieved their primary objective of making the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, but they didn’t manage to tick all the required boxes and as a result, wouldn’t be going into the semifinals with the confidence of all bases covered.
Indians had the upper hand was due to the disparity in fielding. If the Irish were a bit more agile and athletic on the field, it’s not inconceivable that they might have had their noses in front when the contest came to a premature end.
The Women in Blue will now contest with the best to become the best. As likes of England, New Zealand, and defending champions Australia have also entered the semis with their impeccable performance throughout the group stage.
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