"What Was Happening? I Just Couldn’t Understand" - Anjum Chopra Says After India Women's Loss Against England In T20 World Cup

India Women’s team lost by 11 runs against England in the group match of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 clash at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Saturday, February 18. Former Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra slammed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team for failing to chase down the target in batting-friendly conditions despite having a strong batting line-up.

After winning the toss, India restricted England to 151/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Star pacer Renuka Singh bowled a brilliant spell, taking 5 wickets for just 15 in her four overs quota. The Three Lions lost three wickets for 29 runs, but they recovered from the collapse to post a respectable total. Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana played brilliantly, but they were unable to successfully chase down the target.

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Speaking on her YouTube channel, Anjum Chopra raised questions over Indian batters Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues’ shot selection in the group match against England.

“India had chased 150 against Pakistan. The batting conditions in the game against England were good and India had a strong batting line-up as well. So one felt chasing might not be too difficult. But what was happening? I just couldn’t understand,” Anjum Chopra said.

“When Shafali Verma played that shot, I was thinking, ‘what kind of a stroke is that?’ The ball was above her head and still she tried to go after it. This is not the first time it has happened. Jemimah Rodrigues also found the fielder,” he added.

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She Has Shown Her Mettle During Chases – Anjum Chopra

Chopra criticized Harmanpreet for attacking England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, saying India’s women’s captain struggled against her in the past. She said, “Harmanpreet Kaur has struggled against Sophie Ecclestone and has got out to her many times. She was also sent packing again. I couldn’t understand these kinds of contributions in the chase.”

The 45-year-old praised Richa Ghosh for her batting effort in the chase, saying that she was the only player who showed the mindset needed during a chase. She said, “I would applaud Richa Ghosh. In three consecutive matches, she has shown her mettle during chases. She was the only player, apart from Smriti Mandhana, who showed the mindset needed during a chase. But what were the others doing?”

India will take on Ireland at St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth, on Monday, February 20, in a must-win encounter to qualify for the playoffs.

Also read: IND vs AUS: “A Special Feeling To Hit The Winning Boundary” – Cheteshwar Pujara Says After The Win Over Australia In Delhi

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