Indian Women under pressure after loss to Kiwis, next up gritty Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup

Can’t bat, can’t bowl, can’t field. If you hear these phrases from cricket fans who cheer for Indian Women’s cricket, do not be shocked. On Friday night, indeed one of misery and pain, Harmanpreet Kaur and her girls suffered a painful 58-run loss to New Zealand in the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup. The desert duel turned out to be a terrible outing for India against a side which had come into the World Cup on a streak of ten losses in T20 internationals.

For all those who watched India play, the inability to click individually and a team has led to outrageous comments. The average Indian cricket fan is passionate and backs the side. Everyone had talked of Australia being the tough side in Group A, but New Zealand was like out of syllabus for India. Yes, the defeat means misery as the net run rate (NRR) has hit a low. This is not the way India were hoping to launch their campaign in their quest for the elusive World Cup. And the worst part, to lose to the Kiwis, who were out of form, hurts more. Frankly speaking, there can be no excuses from India.

Sophie Devine was divine as she raked up runs on the board. Power and timing, Devine carved out 57 runs which was vital in the Kiwis piling up an aggregate of 160. In these conditions, it was a big total, aided by very poor standard fielding from India. This is not the first time the Indian Women have fielded poorly and questions will be asked as to how a side which now plays professional cricket as well in the WPL has failed in a vital department. The blame goes to the individuals who fielded poorly as well as coach Amul Mazumdar. Everyone knows, the Indian Women’s coach cricket coach is always under a lot of pressure, where hire and fire has been the norm. As much as one will be tempted not to write off India just on one performance – or the lack of it – things get complicated for the Women In Blue.

If there is criticism for skipper, that’s justified. In team sport, the skipper calls the shots on the field. And the way India folded up for 102 runs was pathetic.

With such depth in batting, to be flummoxed by Rosemary Mair (4 for 19) and Lea Tahuha (3 for 15) reflected a lack of intent. If one goes through the scorecard the abject surrender hurts.

At the post match conference, Jemimah Rodrigues spoke of how the team needs to forget this loss and move on. Easier said than done, because the Kiwis were not supposed to be so aggressive. Then again, when a team starts on a losing note, regrouping needs more effort. For this Indian side to show character and Harmanpreet Kauer to be in command, overcoming anxiety will not be easy. She has played plenty of cricket in her career but to be leading such a talented side and collapse like a house of cards is distressing. The Indians captain will have to take a firm grip, since the next outing is against Pakistan.

Any contest between India and Pakistan generates enormous hype. Be it men’s sport or Women’s sport, there will be a crazy build-up. Pakistan are upbeat, after defeating Sri Lanka and will look forward to carry the momentum in the World Cup. The match between arch rivals – India vs Pakistan on October 6 – will lead to hype. Shrill voices will be heard as there is so much of history involving contests between the two nations. In men’s cricket, India have beaten Pakistan regularly. If the Women have to fight back, how they plan for Pakistan will be important. Fever pitch? Indeed as no Indian cricket fan will be able to digest a loss to Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. This will be on air at prime time!