In cricket, understanding the game and devising a strategic approach is crucial. In India’s recent match against New Zealand, it appeared that their planning wasn’t as thorough as it could have been. Although they had set plans in place, led by Manpreet Kaur as skipper, the team didn’t make any strategic adjustments mid-game.
Had they adapted more effectively, New Zealand’s score could have been kept lower. However, New Zealand managed to maintain a scoring rate of eight runs per over, keeping crucial partnerships alive, which allowed them to score heavily towards the end of the innings, ultimately setting an above-par total.
In women’s cricket, especially in tournaments, totals around 160-170 are typically considered difficult to chase. For India, chasing 160 wasn’t entirely out of reach, but several loose shots and a lack of decisiveness from the batters hindered their performance.
Many Indian players appeared tentative, caught between the desire to score and the hesitation to take risks. This indecisiveness, often leading to half-hearted attempts, prevented them from fully committing to their shots and making it past the infield.
Additionally, New Zealand’s preparation played a vital role in their success. Before this tournament, they had already faced Australia in a series, despite losing 3-0. That experience, however, gave them the practice and exposure to high-pressure situations, which benefitted them in the T20 World Cup. India, on the other hand, entered the tournament with little match practice, which may have contributed to their unpreparedness.
Although this loss is a setback for India, it is not the end of the road. Their upcoming match against Pakistan is now critical for their prospects. For New Zealand, this 38-run victory not only breaks their streak of 10 consecutive losses but also boosts their confidence as they move forward in the tournament. The win, by such a significant margin, could prove crucial when the competition reaches its more decisive stages.
