Indian eves lose seventh consecutive T20I
The Indian women's cricket team suffered their seventh consecutive defeat in T20Is. After facing a series whitewash against New Zealand, the Indian eves were thrashed 3-0 by England. On Saturday, India were outsmarted in a thriller. England clinched this low-scoring affair by one run. England scored 119/6, before India managed 118/6. Here is more on the same.
A brilliant final over from Cross helps England win
Kate Cross was superb and held her nerves in a brilliant final over. India needed three to win and were well in course to end their rut. But Cross had other ideas. She bowled three dot balls and then removed Bharati Fulmali and Anuja Patil. Cross conceded only one run from the final ball to give her side a special victory.
Thankfully we kept Mithali off strike: Cross
"The pressure was back on India as soon as I got two dot balls. Thankfully we kept Mithali off strike and that proved to be the difference. We practise those pressure situations and that's where your training comes to fruition," said Cross to the BBC.
Mithali Raj left stranded in last over
India's batting will be questioned once again and this time the side threw away a possible victory. The middle order failed to shoulder the responsibility. This has been the case since World T20. Mithali Raj (30*) didn't get to face a single ball in the final over and was left stranded on the other end. It was a forgettable last over for India.
Mandhana's 39-ball 58 not enough
Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana scored a sublime 39-ball 58. She hit eight fours and one six. Mandhana's 49-run stand with Jemimah Rodrigues (11) gave India the platform. After the dismissal of the two players, Mithali took charge. Her boundary in the last ball of the 19th over gave India the cushion. But a magical final over from Cross inflicted a serious blow.
Really disappointed how the girls batted, says Mandhana
"I think the way the match unfolded, it was really disappointing. It would have been better if I had continued. I think others should have stepped up and scored those 20-odd runs. Really disappointed how the girls batted," said Mandhana in the post-match presentation.
England suffer two collapses while batting
England suffered two major collapses while batting. The openers added 51 runs for the first wicket, but soon England were 54/3. Then once again from 73/3, the visitors were reduced to 93/6. Sophia Dunkley and Anya Shrubsole then scored 27 from the final 20 balls to make sure they had something to fight for. Anuja Patil (2/13) was the pick of the bowlers.
