In a thrilling encounter during the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai, Smriti Mandhana showcased her exceptional skills, turning the tables against Sri Lanka with an impressive batting display. Stationed at the long-off boundary, Inoshi Priyadarshini found herself busy as Mandhana settled into her innings. After a cautious start, Mandhana welcomed Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu with a brilliant inside-out shot over extra cover, forcing Priyadarshini to sprint to intercept the ball before it reached the boundary. With a 72-meter distance to cover, she managed to save two crucial runs.
A moment later, Mandhana was at it again, dancing down the pitch for another exquisite shot over extra cover, much to Priyadarshini’s chagrin as she dashed to stop the ball. Athapaththu, known for her strategic acumen, moved Priyadarshini to sweeper cover in an attempt to block Mandhana’s shots, but the India opener proved too formidable. A loopy offbreak from Athapaththu led Mandhana to loft the ball over the newly positioned fielder, resulting in yet another boundary. Athapaththu’s initial over yielded ten runs, with Mandhana contributing nine of those.
At the opposite end, left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera attempted to exploit the match-up against Mandhana, who had previously struggled against spin. Despite her experience, Ranaweera faced a challenging task as Mandhana deftly swept the ball behind square for two runs. Recognizing Mandhana’s tactics, Ranaweera adjusted her delivery, only to see Mandhana play mind games, prompting the umpire to call a wide.
These mini-battles highlighted Mandhana’s mastery over the spin attack, marking a significant evolution from her past struggles against it. Transitioning her perceived weakness into a strength required relentless dedication and meticulous practice. Balancing her time between her hometown, Sangli, and Mumbai, Mandhana invested hours in honing her skills, replicating match situations and addressing her weaknesses.
To simulate real game scenarios, Mandhana engaged with a larger group during practice, replicating typical field settings for left-handers facing spin. She spent countless hours facing different types of spinners and bowlers, including throw-downs, to build both confidence and muscle memory. Training on challenging pitches in Sangli and Mumbai helped her adapt and thrive in difficult conditions.
Sessions under the guidance of Amol Muzumdar were crucial for refining her shot selection and improving her judgment, ensuring she made the right choices at pivotal moments. Her hard work bore fruit, evident from her consistent performance during the South Africa home series, where she scored back-to-back ODI centuries and excelled in the Asia Cup.
As the T20 World Cup progressed, the slower pitches required Mandhana to adapt her game further. Despite a slow start in the tournament, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, pacing her innings to secure a 36-ball fifty, ultimately helping India achieve the highest total of the tournament thus far.
On the eve of the match, Mandhana emphasized the importance of shot selection. She executed her strategy flawlessly, avoiding premeditated strokes while effectively using the crease to unsettle Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Mandhana’s approach was a refreshing change from her usual strategy of targeting pace, showcasing her versatility against spin, especially in her partnership with Shafali Verma.
The duo’s partnership was critical, particularly after scrutiny regarding their previous performances. Their improved intent and strike rotation were evident, resulting in an impressive tally of only 13 dot balls during the powerplay. Mandhana’s contributions, which now total 2,232 runs in T20I victories, have solidified her position as a leading player for India.
With a record of the most fifty-plus partnerships in T20Is within a calendar year, Mandhana and Verma have set a high standard. Their remarkable partnership runs in 2024 further highlight their synergy and effectiveness on the field.
Mandhana’s journey to this moment has been remarkable, fueled by her determination to improve after a challenging tour of Sri Lanka in 2018. Facing the same team, Mandhana stepped up when it mattered most, proving her mettle and contributing significantly to India’s ambitions in the T20 World Cup. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate her next moves and the impact she will have on the team’s success.
This match not only marks a turning point for Mandhana but also signals India’s potential as a formidable force in the ongoing World Cup, igniting hope for a successful campaign.
