India defeated in their second game of the Women’s World Cup by 88 runs to top the points table. India now have two wins in two games and are topping the charts.
Earlier, they had defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the tournament opener. Harmanpreet Singh’s side is on course for a semifinal berth. India have never won the Women’s World Cup and have lost twice in the final.
Smriti Mandhana’s Poor Women’s World Cup Form
However, there is a major cause for worry as India enter the business end of their campaign with games lined up against the top teams. The reason for being worried is the poor form of run-machine . The 29-year-old came into the Women’s World Cup in sensational form and was set to light the competition on fire. But the opposite happened.
© X/ICC Cricket World Cup
It’s been twin failures by so far. Against Sri Lanka she made eight and managed just 23 against Pakistan. That’s 31 runs in two innings at an average of just 15.50. It’s caused fans to say that she only does well in bilaterals and not in ICC events. Smriti’s horror show with the bat has done nothing to help her case.
In the Sri Lanka game, Smriti hardly got a chance to settle. She did get a decent start vs Pakistan but failed to convert it into a big score. Yes, her failures did not affect the outcome of the games but India do need her back in form as tougher opponents are around the corner.
© X/ICC Cricket World Cup
India’s Women’s World Cup Campaign About to Get Tougher
India have games lined up against South Africa, Australia, England, and New Zealand. The next four matches will determine their progress in the tournament. India’s last league match is against Bangladesh but by then we shall probably know if India are finishing in the top four or not. Australia are the biggest threat as they aim for a record eighth title while England are strong contenders looking for a fifth crown.
India’s next game is against South Africa on October 9. The all-important clash vs Australia is on October 12. England and New Zealand will face India on October 19 and 23 respectively while the last match with Bangladesh is on October 26. Should India finish in the top four, they will play on October 29 or 30 depending on their position. The final is on November 2.