Smriti Mandhana, who scored a magnificent 58 runs off 34 balls, was not happy with her teammates after Indian failed to go past New Zealand in the first T20 international of the series.
She believes she has to bat for 18 to 20 overs to ensure there is no repeated failure while chasing stiff targets. Chasing 160 to win, Women in Blue were in the hunt till the time she was at the crease but her untimely dismissal sparked the sudden collapse.
“My wicket along with Jemimah’s turned out to be crucial. If you get out back-to-back in T20, it proves costly. When you are chasing 160 and the run-rate is above 7 or 8, next time we have to plan and play better. It didn’t work out today,” Mandhana said after the match.
“Practically, I would say I have to bat till 20 overs that is the best option. The more I bat till 18 overs, we won’t collapse because if the top three or 4 batters can bat till the 18-20th overs then rest can revolve around them, so tactically that is what I will try to do,” she added.