India started the Women’s World Cup with a bang and thrashed Pakistan by 64 runs at Edgbaston. India are yet to win a T20 World Cup, and this was just the perfect start India were after in their bid to end the drought. Despite the win, R Ashwin feels that India won’t make a deep run in the tournament. Ashwin said that India were brilliant against Pakistan, but highlighted that the team lacks depth like England and Australia. He said that India appear short on power-hitting options, which could become a concern in tougher matches against stronger opposition.
“I am not sure India will go very far in this T20 World Cup because there is a lack of power in the lineup. While India were excellent against Pakistan and their spin attack once again proved decisive, the team still lacks the depth that sides like England and Australia possess,” he said while speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“India’s combination appears slightly short on power-hitting options, which could become a concern in tougher matches against stronger opponents. Compared to the strong lineups of England and Australia, India’s overall team depth remains a significant worry,” he continued.
India Vs Pakistan: As It Happened
India batted first and scored 170-6 in 20 overs, with Smriti Mandhana making 68 and Harmanpreet Kaur chipping in with 36. Richa Ghosh’s 34 in 17 balls helped India get to a decent score. Pakistan were off to a great start, but collapsed to get bowled out for 106, with Deepti Sharma taking five wickets. The five-wicket haul helped Deepti become the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is. She went past Thailand left-arm spinner Thipatcha Putthawong’s 165-wicket mark.
India are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands, South Africa and Pakistan. Their next match is against the Netherlands on June 17.
