Harmanpreet: Too Many Dot Balls, Dropped Chances Cost Us

Dropped catches and batters’ lack of intent in the middle overs cost India dear, remarked skipper Harmanpreet Kaur as South Africa secured their first win of the multi-format tour with a 12-run victory in the first women’s T20I here on Friday.

When South Africa was put to bat, they used Tazmin Brits’ career-best 81 to score their greatest T20I total of 189 for 4 against India, who could only muster 177 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs.

In the tenth over, Kapp was given a reprieve, and both Marizanne Kapp (57) and captain Laura Wolvaardt (33) took good use of their missed opportunities to increase their score.

“We didn’t play good cricket overall and dropped too many chances which cost us 20 runs extras,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“While batting, we played too many dots in the middle overs. They bowled well, didn’t give us easy.”

“The way we started, we thought we should keep going, but couldn’t because of dot balls. While bowling, we need to be aware how the batters are batting and should set fields and bowl accordingly,” she added.

South Africa had earlier suffered a 0-3 whitewash in the ODI series followed by a 10-wicket loss in the one-off Test in the tour spanning close to a month now.

“Much nicer standing here after a win. After a tough three weeks, feels good,” skipper Wolvaardt said.

“Started the fight in the Test, this shows the hard work is paying off. Cricket is a funny game, really liked the intent we came with. Looked positive with the bat, had wickets in the shed,” she said.

India has to win the second T20 International on Sunday to salvage some pride in the three-match series, trailing 0-1 overall. Tuesday is the scheduled day for the final T20I.

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