Our win predictor yesterday did indicate that India was favourites to win the crucial encounter against England. Sadly, for India, it was a slip between the cup and the lip in their final approach.
India played the extra bowler at the expense of Jammima Rodriguez. The plan was futile because the all-rounder Amanjot leaked 26 runs in her 4 over spell whilst Renuka Sing Thakur, the specialist bowler went wicketless for 37 in her 8 over spell , and yorker specialist Krant Goud who had excellent figures against England in the previous outings, went wicketless for 46 in her 8 overs. In hindsight, experts felt playing the all-rounder who made 18 runs off 15 balls with a good strike rate of 120 , lacked the pinch hitting power expected of an all-rounder in the final 2 overs because India needed 24 runs in 12 balls.
They also had too much hope on Richa Ghose to bail them out, batting at 6. The plan sadly did not bear fruit as she was undone by a Nat Sciver Brunt delivery for , with India lack of a specialist batter in the likes of Jammima Rodriguez. India on 256 for 5 in the 46th over , having dominated proceedings at 234 for 3 wickets up to the 41st over lost Smiriti Mandana on 88, and that was the turning point Skipper Hampreet Kaur who made a valient 70 departed after stiching a partnership of 115 with Mandana, hence her wicket with the score on 167 , too had its toll on India.
India has become way too dependent on Richa Ghose, the wicket keeper. Richa joined Deepthi Sharma, who batted at number 4 , whilst Ghose was given the duty of Jammima Rodriguez . The Sharma Mandana partnership had India well in control ,but her departure got Richa Ghose among the wickets at the appropriate time to bat alongside Deepthi Sharma.
Did Ghose get undone by pressure ? She threw a wicket batting on 8. With India on 265 ,still within striking distance, needing 24 to win , and Deepthi Sharma batting on 50 had a brain break , throwing her wicket with India on 262 , hence the flood gates opened. Sadly, Amanjot Kaur and Sneha Rana were not good enough to clear the boundary in the last 2 overs , and India fell short by 4 runs , giving the players and their vast supporters a tear in the eye before their festival of lights today , and this was sad to note.
Did India take a risk by dropping Jammima Rodriguez and playing Haleem Doel as a specialist batter ? Simple answer no IFS and BUTS , in cricket. It never solves the problem. However, the selectors might have ignored the fact that Jemima has more match experience and is a batter who could have held the innings together
England batting first made 288 , guess they should have got to a score of 300 plus , but the departure of Nat -Sciver Brunt for 38 , with England on 211 for 2 wickets in 38.5 overs cost them dearly in reaching the 300 plus target.
Our star of the day was Heather Knight, what a player. She is one of the best players against spin.
109 in 91 balls , 15 boundaries, 1 six , strike rate 119.79.
Brilliant batting.
Indian spinners led by Deepthi Sharma, who scalped 4 for 51 and Charuni 2 for 68 , with india’s third spinner Sneh Rana going wicketless for 56 runs had their problems bowling to Heather Knight who played the legitimate sweep and the risky reverse to near perfection.
Amy Jones opened batting and made 56 , but England has a grey area ,the lack of intent by the middle order batters. Sophie Dunkley is struggling. Why was she sent up the order? She looks a strokeless wonder.
Alice Capsey , Charlie Dean or even Sophie Eccleston should have been sent up the order at the fall of Nat Sciver Brunt’s wicket with England on top 211 for 3 wickets in the 39th over.
Dunkley could have batted down the order. Heather Knight was run out for 109 due to a brilliant outfield throw by Aminjot Kaur from the cow corner, and India should be given credit for their excellent ground fielding and catching.
England will take the win and qualify, period , India have recorded their 3rd consecutive loss , but all is not lost for them , they still can qualify for the final slot because they have two games up the sleeve against lesser fancied opposition namely New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Australia, England, and South Africa have qualified as per the appended points table.
Australia 13 points
England 09 points
South Africa 09 points
In the running for the 4th slot India with 4 points , 2 more games in the bag against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
New Zealand with 4 points , with 2 games in the bag against India and England.
Win predictor : India should qualify.
Main scores
England 288 for 8
Amy Jones 56 , Heather Knight 109 , Nat Sciver Brunt 38
Deepthi Sharma 4 for 51 , Charini 2 for 68.
India 284 for 6
Hampreet Kaur 70
Smiriti Mandana 88
Deep Sharma 50
Lindsay Smith 1/40 , Nat Sciver Brunt 2 /47. Eccleston 1/:58 , Charlie Dean 1/67.