Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma brace for trial by fire against South Africa pacers
Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey believes India openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will face their toughest challenge of the Women's T20 World Cup against South Africa's formidable pace attack led by Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp.
Veteran fast bowler Shikha Pandey believes Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will face their toughest challenge yet when India take on South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.
South Africa's pace trio of Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka impressed against Australia, but it was against Pakistan that they truly hit top gear. The Proteas reduced Pakistan to 50 for eight in just 10.4 overs, with Kapp returning figures of 3 for 23 from her four overs.
Pandey described South Africa as possessing the best pace attack in the tournament and said that while Mandhana and Shafali are in excellent form, they will need to be at their best against the Proteas quicks.
"India's opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have given India many strong starts. But they will face their toughest test yet. South Africa has the best bowling attack in this Women's T20 World Cup,” Pandey said while speaking on JioHotstar's 'Game Plan'.
"Shabnim Ismail has made a strong comeback and she's bowling with good pace. Marizanne Kapp has already taken three wickets against Pakistan and is bowling with great control. Both will test the Indian openers with swing, seam and bounce,” Pandey said.
‘MANDHANA NEEDS TO BE SELECTIVE’
Pandey said Mandhana will need to be selective against the new ball, particularly with Kapp and Ismail likely to bowl probing, attacking lengths. She also expressed excitement about the contest between Shafali and Ismail, saying the Indian opener is unlikely to back down if the South African quick tests her with bouncers.
"Smriti Mandhana has been dismissed in the past trying to drive away from her body, often caught in the slips or behind the stumps. She will need to be selective against the moving ball," she said.
"Shafali loves a challenge, and Ismail is not afraid to use the bouncer. That will be a spicy contest,” Pandey added.
India have begun their campaign in emphatic fashion, registering comprehensive victories over Pakistan and the Netherlands. However, they will be well aware of the challenge that awaits them against South Africa.
Earlier this year, India suffered a 4-1 series defeat to the Proteas in South Africa, and Harmanpreet Kaur's side will be eager to make amends with a statement win on the World Cup stage.
Veteran fast bowler Shikha Pandey believes Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will face their toughest challenge yet when India take on South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.
South Africa's pace trio of Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka impressed against Australia, but it was against Pakistan that they truly hit top gear. The Proteas reduced Pakistan to 50 for eight in just 10.4 overs, with Kapp returning figures of 3 for 23 from her four overs.
Pandey described South Africa as possessing the best pace attack in the tournament and said that while Mandhana and Shafali are in excellent form, they will need to be at their best against the Proteas quicks.
"India's opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have given India many strong starts. But they will face their toughest test yet. South Africa has the best bowling attack in this Women's T20 World Cup,” Pandey said while speaking on JioHotstar's 'Game Plan'.
"Shabnim Ismail has made a strong comeback and she's bowling with good pace. Marizanne Kapp has already taken three wickets against Pakistan and is bowling with great control. Both will test the Indian openers with swing, seam and bounce,” Pandey said.
‘MANDHANA NEEDS TO BE SELECTIVE’
Pandey said Mandhana will need to be selective against the new ball, particularly with Kapp and Ismail likely to bowl probing, attacking lengths. She also expressed excitement about the contest between Shafali and Ismail, saying the Indian opener is unlikely to back down if the South African quick tests her with bouncers.
"Smriti Mandhana has been dismissed in the past trying to drive away from her body, often caught in the slips or behind the stumps. She will need to be selective against the moving ball," she said.
"Shafali loves a challenge, and Ismail is not afraid to use the bouncer. That will be a spicy contest,” Pandey added.
India have begun their campaign in emphatic fashion, registering comprehensive victories over Pakistan and the Netherlands. However, they will be well aware of the challenge that awaits them against South Africa.
Earlier this year, India suffered a 4-1 series defeat to the Proteas in South Africa, and Harmanpreet Kaur's side will be eager to make amends with a statement win on the World Cup stage.
