Smriti Mandhana has been in excellent form throughout the Women world cup 2025 and in seven matches she has made 365 runs with an average of more than 60. During the league match with Australia in Visakhapatnam, she made an outstanding 80 on only 66 balls before being dismissed in the effort to get a slog-sweep off Sophie Molineux. Her removal stunted the progress of India and the team failed in the end losing by three wickets even after being bowled out at 330.
The former skipper of the Indian cricket team, Anjum Chopra commended Smriti on her consistency and remembered her excellent performance before the world cup against Australia in theODI series. She was optimistic that the vice-captain would step up to the occasion in the semi-final on October 30 and she recommended her transform her start into her big scores rather than relinquish her wicket once she got settled.
“Yes, absolutely, and I think she will also be waiting to step up because the manner in which she played in those three ODIs prior to the World Cup, she will also be wanting to just unleash all the good work and the hard work that she has put in to get to that position,” the former India batter responded on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’ after being asked about Mandhana’s importance in the upcoming semi-final clash.
“That 80 that she scored against Australia before she threw her wicket away, rather than anyone else picking up her wicket, she wouldn’t want to make a mistake like that again. Having said that, she also realizes that the hard work has to be done all over again,” she added.
“She has the match-winning ability” – Reema Malhotra backs Smriti Mandhana
Meanwhile, veteran India cricketer Reema Malhotra was asked on Follow the Blues about Mandhana’s performance in the unbeaten 34-run knock off 27 balls against Bangladesh, which was washed out on October 26.
“It’s a great sign if Smriti Mandhana is in this form. She has the class and Smriti would also be thinking how crucial her role is. She is the only player who bats from the start and can bat till the end. She has the match-winning ability. She has the skill to perform under pressure because the pressure gets doubled in knockout games or semi-finals,” she replied.
“Smriti Mandhana doesn’t disintegrate under pressure now, but she comes to the fore. She knows her team depends on her. She bats in the powerplay. So she only lays the foundation, whether batting first or chasing. I don’t know whether Pratika will be there or not, but her role will get doubled if Pratika isn’t there.”
Reema Malhotra
