Smriti Mandhana explains decision to rest as India women secure win against Nepal

In a recent Women’s Asia Cup 2024 match against Nepal, Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana explained why she did not bat. Mandhana, who was leading the team in the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, chose to rest from opening the innings.

When India won the toss and decided to bat first, Dayalan Hemalatha and Shafali Verma were chosen as openers instead of Mandhana. The decision proved effective as the opening pair put on a solid 122-run stand, helping India to a comfortable 82-run victory.

Mandhana addressed the decision after the match, saying, “As an opener you don't get a lot of games where you don't bat. Much needed game time for all the other batters. The middle order hasn't batted in the previous games. The conditions were different and it is always good to have game time under your belt. The middle order didn't get time in the South Africa series as well, so good they could spend some time in the middle."

Mandhana also spoke about the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. She revealed that training for the tournament began immediately after the WPL 2024. 

“The preparations started post WPL, there are a lot of fine-tuning to be done, and we have to keep improving, cannot go into a World Cup under prepared,” he further added.

India women have finished their group stage matches in the Women’s Asia Cup at the top of Group A, securing six points with a net run rate of +3.615. They have won all their group games so far.