In a Crucial Match, Mandhana Overcomes Spin

During India's vital Group A encounter against Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai, Inoshi Priyadarshini, positioned at the long-off boundary, was active throughout the game as Smriti Mandhana settled into a rhythm. Join betpro sign up for cricket updates.

After getting comfortable, Mandhana aimed Chamari Athapaththu, the captain of Sri Lanka, and greeted her with an inside-out shot over extra cover.

On the sizeable 72-meter field, Priyadarshini ran to intercept the ball before it could cross the boundary and save two runs. Follow betpro sign up for the latest cricket updates.

With another inside-out shot, Mandhana demonstrated her aggressive style, forcing Athapaththu to change the field's alignment by putting the mid-off fielder within the circle and shifting Priyadarshini to sweeper cover.

Priyadarshini made a fast run to the long-off boundary, but Mandhana effortlessly lofted the next delivery over the head of the mid-off fielder and scored a boundary.

This was a prime illustration of Mandhana's field manipulation skills, demonstrating her expertise and tactical awareness. Mandhana hit nine runs in Athapaththu's opening over, quickly applying pressure to the skipper of Sri Lanka.

In a tough left-handed matchup, Inoka Ranaweera, a left-arm spinner, tried to disrupt Mandhana's rhythm by using all her experience. Join betpro in pakistan for more cricket updates.

Mandhana swiftly adjusted when Ranaweera reduced her deliveries, sweeping one behind square for two runs.

Sri Lanka limited Mandhana's early scoring because of the broad boundaries, which allowed them time to cut off boundaries.

The little altercation between Mandhana and Ranaweera took an intriguing turn when Mandhana had Ranaweera withdraw from her delivery by shuffle-walking over her crease. Follow betpro in pakistan for the amazing cricket news.

When the ball eventually arrived, it was wide, showing that Mandhana was winning the mental struggle against the superior batsman.

These conversations demonstrated how Mandhana changed from being a player susceptible to spin to one who now controls spinners.

Previously regarded as a "walking wicket" when facing off-spin, Mandhana has dedicated numerous hours to transforming her vulnerability into an advantage.

Mandhana practised nonstop between her native of Sangli and Mumbai, where she faced a variety of bowlers and focused primarily on the spin to enhance her skills.

She practised in hostile environments to prepare for challenging pitches and formidable opponents.

Mandhana developed her shot selection, learned to stretch her innings and form partnerships, and received coaching from Amol Muzumdar during the Mumbai batting camps.

Her efforts paid off in the South Africa home series, as she amassed back-to-back hundreds in the ODIs, a 149 in the one-off Test, and the title of best run-scorer for India in the T20I leg of the multi-format series.

She continued to play well in the Asia Cup and is now participating in the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Mandhana showed patience and excellent inning spacing while adjusting to the sluggish pitches in Dubai.

After a slow start, she quickly reached a 36-ball fifty, establishing India's highest World Cup total.

Once an Achilles' heel, her mastery of spin became an asset as she and Shafali Verma grabbed command of India's innings.

Mandhana's leadership and improved ability to counter-spin have made India seem strong thus far in the World Cup campaign, maintaining their chances of winning the championship.