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'Conditions Were Like Dunedin, Not...': Manjrekar Analyses India's WC Opener Defeat

New Zealand thrashed India by 58 runs [Source: @WHITE_FERNS/x.com]New Zealand thrashed India by 58 runs [Source: @WHITE_FERNS/x.com]

In a stunning turn of events at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, India's campaign got off to an abysmal start with a comprehensive 58-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand. Playing in Dubai on October 4, the Whiter Ferns set India a formidable target of 161 before dismantling the Women in Blue for just 102, securing their first win in Group A.

Manjrekar Breaks Down India's Loss vs New Zealand

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, reviewing the match on Star Sports, was quick to point out that the alien conditions in Dubai played a significant role in India Women's lacklustre performance. 

He reckoned that the seamer-friendly environment in Dubai resembled New Zealand's home conditions, giving the Kiwis a crucial edge over the Indian side.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand took full advantage of the conditions, with their openers setting the foundation for a challenging total. India, on the other hand, failed to find their rhythm with the ball from the get-go.

"The start was not good in bowling because the first one or two overs were very expensive," Manjrekar noted as he highlighted the lack of control that allowed New Zealand to get off to a flyer.

The Women in Blue had their backs to the wall as the Kiwi side posted a competitive total of 161, courtesy of some fine stroke play and smart running between the wickets.


India’s Batting Falls Like a House of Cards

When it came to the chase, India found themselves all at sea against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack led by Rosemary Mair (4/19) and Lea Tahuhu (3/15).

India's batting order collapsed under the pressure, with none of the top-order batters able to weather the storm. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 14-ball 15 stood out as a minor contribution, but it was too little, too late, as wickets tumbled like dominos.

Manjrekar further elaborated that Dubai’s conditions seemed eerily similar to those in Dunedin, New Zealand, playing right into the hands of the Kiwi bowlers.

"It seemed like they were not playing in Dubai but Dunedin, and New Zealand made the most of it," he remarked. 

He added that New Zealand bowled a perfect length, not offering India any room for counterattacks.

“They didn't bowl even a single short delivery,” Manjrekar stated.

Could Sharjah Have Changed the Story?

Reflecting on the match, Manjrekar was firm in his belief that a different venue, such as Sharjah, might have tipped the scales in India’s favour.

"If this match had been in Sharjah, the result might have been totally different," he opined, implying that India could have exploited Sharjah's typically slower and lower surface.

According to him, the flat batting track in Sharjah might have neutralized the advantage New Zealand enjoyed with the ball in Dubai.

Meanwhile, for India, the loss is a wake-up call as they look to regroup and refocus for their upcoming fixtures. While the conditions may not have played into their hands, the Women in Blue will need to come up with better answers if they hope to stay afloat in the tournament.