Former Indian cricketer Reema Malhotra has backed India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana to score a big century in the Women World Cup semifinal against Australia. Mandhana is currently the leading run-getter in the ODI showpiece with 365 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 60.83.
The flamboyant left-hander has scored her runs at a splendid strike rate of 102.53. The Indian opener has the highest score of 136 in ODIs and Malhotra wants Mandhana to take a leaf out of veteran batter Rohit Sharma’s book. Rohit holds the record of three double centuries in the 50-over format.
Meanwhile, Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the tournament due to a freak ankle injury she suffered while fielding against Bangladesh. Malhotra said Mandhana will also need to score runs on Rawal’s behalf.
“Rohit Sharma has scored double centuries in ODIs. Smriti has to do the same thing. She has to score a century for herself and a century for Pratika. The responsibility will be there. However, it’s something that is not in anyone’s hands,” Reema Malhotra said on Star Sports.
“You have the bat in your hand and the 50 overs in front of you. You are scoring 110-120, score a little more than that. Smriti has to play 50 overs and she can do that. She was the first player to score a double century in domestic cricket. If she could do it then, India need it now,” Malhotra observed.
On the other hand, Malhotra highlighted that Mandhana has played Australian Ashleigh Gardner with aplomb in the recent past.
“She has played Gardner exceptionally well in the last few matches. Whether it’s a left-arm spinner or an off-spinner, this is not the Smriti Mandhana of 2024. This is Smriti 2.0, who has worked on it. She plays all the shots. So I don’t think it will be a challenge,” she replied.
The cricketer–turned-commentator also opened up on Mandhana’s battle with Sophie Molineux, who had dismissed the southpaw in the league stage.
“It will be challenging, but Smriti gave her wicket to Molineux after scoring runs. I think Smriti only hit 15 to 16 runs in her first over. I feel the approach will be the same here. Whichever Australian bowler comes, you will have to attack them. If you allow any Australian bowler to get on top of you, they will bowl their entire 10 overs at one spot,” Malhotra responded.
The semifinal between Australia and India will be played in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
