Mandhana acknowledges the strategic differences between batting first and second in T20 cricket. While chasing provides a clear target and allows for calculated risk-taking, setting a target comes with the inherent uncertainty of not knowing what constitutes a par score.
“My mindset is just to play according to the merit of the ball. Sometimes you bat first or you bat second. Definitely, when you bat second, you have that score in front of you, and you can calculate your risks, and you can go for it. In the first innings, I feel in T20, it’s a bit of a disadvantage that you don’t know what you have to get to. But I think not to complicate it too much, just play according to the merit of the ball. It’s very simple, just keep it simple. I feel like that,” Mandhana told Star Sports, as quoted by ANI.
Mandhana’s impressive T20I record, boasting over 3300 runs at a strike rate exceeding 120, speaks volumes about the effectiveness of her approach. Her ability to score quickly while maintaining consistency makes her a vital asset to the Indian team.
India enter the Asia Cup as defending champions, aiming for a record-extending eighth title. Their recent form suggests they are well-equipped for the challenge. A dominant 3-0 ODI series win against South Africa, coupled with a drawn T20I series, highlights their mettle in both formats.
Furthermore, a comprehensive 5-0 T20I series victory against Bangladesh means that their regional dominance remains intact. While a 1-2 T20I series loss against Australia reveals areas for improvement, the experience gained from playing a top-ranked team will prove invaluable in the long run.