India faced Zimbabwe in their final group match of the Women's World
Cup Qualifiers and duly trounced them by nine wickets at the P. Sara Oval on
Monday (February 13). There were as many as three changes in the Indian XI with Mona Meshram,
Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Soni Yadav coming in for Thirushkamini, Deepti Sharma
and Shikha Pandey (all presumably 'rested' ahead of the Super 6 stage). Zimbabwe were bowled out for a paltry 60 and India chased it
down with 41 overs to spare—well before lunch.
The leggie
Poonam Yadav may have missed the first match of the tournament, but ever since her return to the playing XI against Thailand, she has made the most of every opportunity with the ball. The diminutive leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh outfoxed the Zimbabwean batters with her loop, turn, variation and accuracy. She used her newly developed googly to good effect, picking up five wickets for only 19 runs, taking her tournament tally to 10 wickets in three games.
Poonam Yadav may have missed the first match of the tournament, but ever since her return to the playing XI against Thailand, she has made the most of every opportunity with the ball. The diminutive leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh outfoxed the Zimbabwean batters with her loop, turn, variation and accuracy. She used her newly developed googly to good effect, picking up five wickets for only 19 runs, taking her tournament tally to 10 wickets in three games.
The ‘keeper
In a cricket match, it is the wicket keeper who is seldom noticed, unless of course she misses a chance. Anju Jain, one of India's finest 'keepers, once told me that the mark of a good ‘keeper is not just soft hands and quick movements, but also the ability to fly under the radar, because that means you are doing a wonderful job! On Monday, Sushma Verma was outstanding with the gloves, taking three impressive catches while standing up to the spinners-- two off the bowling of Rajeshwari and one off Poonam. Although the commentators mentioned her often, it was all good stuff… In a game without camera’s and replays, she would most definitely have flown under the radar!
In a cricket match, it is the wicket keeper who is seldom noticed, unless of course she misses a chance. Anju Jain, one of India's finest 'keepers, once told me that the mark of a good ‘keeper is not just soft hands and quick movements, but also the ability to fly under the radar, because that means you are doing a wonderful job! On Monday, Sushma Verma was outstanding with the gloves, taking three impressive catches while standing up to the spinners-- two off the bowling of Rajeshwari and one off Poonam. Although the commentators mentioned her often, it was all good stuff… In a game without camera’s and replays, she would most definitely have flown under the radar!
The fielding
The Zimbabwe batters may not have really challenged India with the ball, but Mithali Raj’s side didn’t do themselves any favours when they dropped two straightforward chances in the field. The two fast bowlers, Mansi Joshi and Soni Yadav, were the culprits, making lazy efforts to first reach the ball and then take the catch. Zimbabwe weren’t able to take advantage of the dropped chances, but going into the Super Six stage, India will face better teams who are used to playing the One-Day format and will have the ability to use such chances. It’ll probably be easier for India if they don’t always make their bowlers take 12 or 13 wickets a game, and for that, they will really need to lift their fielding standards.
The Zimbabwe batters may not have really challenged India with the ball, but Mithali Raj’s side didn’t do themselves any favours when they dropped two straightforward chances in the field. The two fast bowlers, Mansi Joshi and Soni Yadav, were the culprits, making lazy efforts to first reach the ball and then take the catch. Zimbabwe weren’t able to take advantage of the dropped chances, but going into the Super Six stage, India will face better teams who are used to playing the One-Day format and will have the ability to use such chances. It’ll probably be easier for India if they don’t always make their bowlers take 12 or 13 wickets a game, and for that, they will really need to lift their fielding standards.
Two standouts
Mary-Anne Musonda, Zimbabwe’s No.3, was easily their best batter on show, scoring a 60-ball 26 with four boundaries. From the moment she walked out to the middle she looked confident and ready for the challenge. Musonda batted with a sense of authority, putting away the bad balls and keeping the good ones out. She was certainly a cut above the rest.
The moment of the day though, was when Precious Marange walked in to bat. She strode to the crease with Zimbabwe in deep trouble at 35 for 5 having just lost Musonda. Marange though, simply smiled, gloved punched her partner, took guard and proceeded to deposit her first delivery over the mid-wicket fence! Rajeshwari, the bowler, couldn’t help but laugh and look a little astonished—‘Where in the world did that come from?!’
Mary-Anne Musonda, Zimbabwe’s No.3, was easily their best batter on show, scoring a 60-ball 26 with four boundaries. From the moment she walked out to the middle she looked confident and ready for the challenge. Musonda batted with a sense of authority, putting away the bad balls and keeping the good ones out. She was certainly a cut above the rest.
The moment of the day though, was when Precious Marange walked in to bat. She strode to the crease with Zimbabwe in deep trouble at 35 for 5 having just lost Musonda. Marange though, simply smiled, gloved punched her partner, took guard and proceeded to deposit her first delivery over the mid-wicket fence! Rajeshwari, the bowler, couldn’t help but laugh and look a little astonished—‘Where in the world did that come from?!’
Opener No.5
After her stint with the gloves in the previous match, Veda Krishnamurthy was given yet another role by the Indian team management—this time as their opener. (India's fifth opener in this tournament after Deepti, Mona, Thirush and Harman). The right-hander set the tone for the chase, taking 13 runs off the opening over. She was clearly in the mood to finish the game quickly, but that didn’t mean she was simply looking to pummel the ball. Veda played some exquisite shots in her 16-ball 29—the cover drive and the late cut down to third-man, my favourites! If she hadn’t got out (caught at mid-off), my guess is India would have reached the target in seven overs (at the most)!
After her stint with the gloves in the previous match, Veda Krishnamurthy was given yet another role by the Indian team management—this time as their opener. (India's fifth opener in this tournament after Deepti, Mona, Thirush and Harman). The right-hander set the tone for the chase, taking 13 runs off the opening over. She was clearly in the mood to finish the game quickly, but that didn’t mean she was simply looking to pummel the ball. Veda played some exquisite shots in her 16-ball 29—the cover drive and the late cut down to third-man, my favourites! If she hadn’t got out (caught at mid-off), my guess is India would have reached the target in seven overs (at the most)!
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