LONDON: Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma unleashed a batting onslaught as India cruised to a 95-run victory over the Netherlands in the Women's T20 World Cup on Wednesday. The duo stitched together a 115-run opening stand, laying the groundwork for India's imposing total of 209-5 in Leeds.
Mandhana and Verma Shine with the Bat
Mandhana top-scored with a blistering 74 off 47 balls, laced with 11 fours and a six. Fellow opener Verma contributed a fiery 55, featuring 10 boundaries. Their run spree left the Netherlands with little hope of a successful chase.
Netherlands Falter in Response
Dutch captain Babette de Leede was the top scorer for her side with 28, but the target proved far too steep. Verma followed her dynamic batting display with three wickets, while Sree Charani finished off the one-sided contest with four wickets from her four overs.
India's Winning Streak Continues
India have now won their first two games of the tournament in England, following their opening victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
Australia Crush Bangladesh
Georgia Voll starred as Australia eased to a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh at Headingley. Voll smashed an unbeaten 45 off 32 balls, including six fours and a six, guiding Australia to their target of 78 with more than 10 overs to spare. Bangladesh managed only 77-8, with Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, and Ellyse Perry taking two wickets each. Australia made it back-to-back wins after their 65-run victory over South Africa on Saturday.
South Africa Edge Past Pakistan in Tense Contest
South Africa beat Pakistan by two wickets in a nail-biting clash in Birmingham on Wednesday. The Proteas appeared in control after restricting Pakistan to 126-9, with captain Fatima Sana remaining unbeaten on 55 and Marizanne Kapp taking 3-23. However, South Africa suffered a dramatic collapse from 76-2, losing three wickets for 17 runs. Nadine de Klerk, dropped early in her innings, made 37, but the visitors eventually won off a wide with 19 balls to spare.
England's Sciver-Brunt Ruled Out of Next Two Matches
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the tournament hosts' next two matches due to a calf injury. Sciver-Brunt, who recently returned from a torn calf muscle, was forced to retire on 48 in Tuesday's win over Ireland. Scans revealed a calf muscle strain, and the 33-year-old will miss matches against Scotland and the West Indies.
