Series at stake, women look to bounce back

Chennai, July 6

A 12-run defeat in the first game putting them on the back foot, the Indian women’s cricket team would to look to dish out an improved batting and fielding performance in the second T20 International of their three-match series against South Africa here tomorrow.

Dropped catches and batters’ lack of intent in the middle overs had cost India dear in the opening match on Friday, as they could only score 177/4 in 20 overs after South Africa had posted 189/4.

It was South Africa’s first win in the ongoing multi-format tour. They had earlier suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series followed by a 10-wicket loss in the one-off Test.

Both the camps have concerns to deal with following Friday’s match. India’s Richa Ghosh and South Africa’s Tazmin Brits went off the field with concussion and cramps, respectively.

As per the BCCI’s statement, Richa had “neck pain and dizziness” following a failed catch attempt, with the ball hitting her face. Her face too seemingly hit the ground.

As for Brits, she was stretchered out with a severe contusion on her right lower leg. However, she did come for the post-match press conference and affirmed that she would be good to go in the upcoming games.

For the hosts, while their bowling performance was decent, the poor fielding caught everyone off-guard, with three dropped catches and a few mis-fields.

“I think it was just a bad day. All are brilliant fielders in our group, and everyone has been putting in hard work and training. We’ll look to bounce back,” Radha Yadav said after the match.

As far as batting is concerned, the Indian top-order needs to add a bit more flair, barring Smriti Mandhana, who has been in fine touch lately. The South Africans clicked with the bat, especially the top-order. The likes of Brits, Marizanne Kapp, skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon are expected to come up with the fireworks yet again tomorrow.