Smriti Mandhana regrets India's defeat against Australia in the first T20I

Indian women vice-captain Smriti Mandhana blamed herself for India’s loss in the first Twenty20 International against Australia in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the Southern Stars defeated India by six wickets – to gain early momentum in the T20I tri-series involving England.

The southpaw Smriti guided India to 152 with a timely knock of 41-ball 67 including 11 fours and two sixes. It is her highest score in the shortest format of the game. However, the visitors chased down the target easily with 11 balls to spare.

Meanwhile, Mandhana notched up her fastest fifty in T20I cricket as she cleared the field with ease. Her departure saw India’s middle-order collapsing as they failed to recover from it. Although, Anuja Patil’s late cameo of 35 runs helped India cross the 150-run mark.

For the Aussies, it was a cakewalk as they reached the target in style. Visitors banked on Beth Mooney and Elyse Villani, and well-backed skipper Meg Lanning to chase down the score.

I blame myself, says Smriti Mandhana –

Mandhana feels like she should have batted for the twenty overs just like Mithali Raj, India’s senior batsman. She also urged the young cricketers to learn from the seniors.

“It’s easy to blame others for not performing, but it’s tough for a new batsman to come in and score fluently, like a set batsman. It would’ve been a lot easier had I continued till the 20th over. So, I blame myself. If I’m set and middling the ball well, I should’ve stayed on just like Mithali does. We must learn from our seniors,” said Mandhana.

Meanwhile, India will their play their next game on March 25 against England. It is expected to be an enticing contest.

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