India Women faced England Women in the first T20I of the ongoing three-match series at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, where the hosts registered a comfortable 9-wicket victory.
Notably, the Women in Blue defeated England at the Commonwealth Games semi-final just a month ago, but the T20 series did not start well for them on Saturday night. Being put to bat first, India struggled their way to put up a big score and could only manage 132/7, which was gunned down by the English side in just 13 overs.
After the disappointing performance, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said her side “forcefully played” in damp conditions and were not playable. The India captain reckoned the outfield was sluggish and a bit slippery due to the wetness, which wasn’t ideal for fielding. However, the Indian skipper backed her troops and mentioned that despite the wet conditions, the team continued to give their best.
“We were not able to get the runs we were expecting. I just feel we forcefully played because conditions were not 100 per cent fit to play. Still, I am happy with the way girls put the effort because when there are chances to get injured but they are ready to play,” said Harmanpreet after the match.
Due to the wet conditions, India also ended up losing a key member when Radha Yadav‘s diving effort in the second over of England’s chase resulted in a shoulder injury, and she left the field in pain.
“I know it was not 100% conditions to play cricket, and still we were putting efforts. I know the ground was too wet, and there were so many chances to get injured, and one of our players got injured also. She was our main bowler and that’s why we were lacking. That’s what you need to have team-mates in the team (for) who can score in whatever conditions, and I am happy the way we put our efforts,” added Harmanpreet.