Twitter Reactions: Mandhana’s mettle, Jemimah’s composure take India to 116 on tacky Hangzhou surface

Smirit Mandhana. (Photo source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

The final of the Asian Games women’s cricket competition is well underway, with India and Sri Lanka taking on each other in the summit clash for a shot at the Gold Medal. 

Speaking of the clash, team India won the toss and opted to bat first. The surface at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou proved to be more challenging than originally thought. Being a turning and slow track, the Indian batters struggled to post a big total on the board in the 20-over clash.

Coming in to bat first, the Indian team was met with the early dismissal of star batter Shafali Verma, who only managed to score nine runs in 15 deliveries. With the early dismissal, the responsibility fell onto the shoulders of ace opener Smriti Mandhana.

The 27-year-old put forth a brilliant performance and played a resilient knock to keep the hopes alive for India. Scoring 46 runs in 45 deliveries, Mandhana’s knock helped the side post a reasonable total on the board in the Asian Games final.

Apart from Mandhana, it was Jemimah Rodrigues who showcased her class as well. Scoring 42 runs in 40 deliveries, Rodrigues helped India comeback from the early dismissal and the middle order’s failure to go big. Apart from Mandhana and Rodrigues, none of the other Indian batters managed to go big, as Richa Ghosh was sent packing for just nine runs. Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar managed two runs each as well.

Speaking of Sri Lanka’s performance, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, and Inoka Ranaweera were the only wicket-takers for the side in the first innings, taking two wickets each and limiting team India to a reasonable total. In the first innings, team India posted a total of 116 runs, and it could be interesting to see if they can defend the target on a turning track in Hangzhou or whether the Sri Lanka batters can finish the job for their side.

Here’s how X reacted to Smriti Mandhana’s knock against Sri Lanka:

If smriti didn’t through her wicket we can simply cross that mark.. After smriti and jrm partnership no one stayed in pitch more than 2 min

— Dhana karanam (@imdhana_karanam) September 25, 2023

Well played, Smriti Mandhana…!!!

This has been brilliant knock on gripping and turning track.

46 runs from 45 balls in the Asian Games final for team India against Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/5Gkc8zsdb8

— Master of Puppets (@IndianThatsIt) September 25, 2023

Smriti deserved a 50 man 🙁

— (@harryprotecterx) September 25, 2023

Top class inning from Smriti today. It was a good test for her 46(45) against a good spin and in an important final match. pic.twitter.com/jBt6rhNVTj

— Bleed Blue (@CricCrazyVeena) September 25, 2023

A steady Knock from Smriti Mandhana
#AsianGames #AsianGames2023 #AsianGames2022 #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/qxMCt85ZdG

— GyanGainer (@techind34820937) September 25, 2023

Well played smriti 46.#indvsl

— Sugu (@MegHPK07) September 25, 2023

Well played smriti jeet ke aana hai vapas ladkiyo

— Hussain (@imhussy92) September 25, 2023

Deserved a 50 ngl, well played Smriti

— AJ // (new account) (@AJhere82) September 25, 2023

Smriti Mandhana has scored 46(45), 4*4s, 1*6 in Gold medal match against SriLanka Women at #AsianGames #AsianGames2023 pic.twitter.com/oITiXbphLV

— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) September 25, 2023

Considering the amount of batting left, Had to take some risks at this stage. Smriti tried to take it on but got out! #AsianGames

— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) September 25, 2023

Well played, Smriti Mandhana…!!!
46 runs from 45 balls in the Asian Games final in a tough pitch for team India against Sri Lanka.

— Amit Singh 🇮🇳❣️ (@KR_AMIT007) September 25, 2023