3 things India needs to do to improve their NRR in ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

India is in a tricky spot in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. After losing the first match of the tournament to New Zealand Women by a huge margin of 58 runs, India Women managed to beat Pakistan Women by 6 wickets and with just 7 balls to spare. Despite claiming a win, it was not a confidence booster as the 2020 finalists are way too far in terms of the Net Run Rate.

With a win and a loss each in their campaign so far, India is placed 4th in Group A, a spot below Pakistan Women due to a poor net run rate. A negative NRR of -1.217 could potentially cost India a semifinal berth if they lose to Australia or Sri Lanka in their upcoming matches. Hence, they have to improve their NRR at all costs at a massive rate. Here’s what they can do to improve their NRR.

Beat Sri Lanka by a huge margin

India has a match left against Australian and Sri Lankan Women, respectively. Both teams have challenged India in the recent past. While SL-W lost to Pakistan Women earlier this tournament, they must not be underestimated, especially after knowing their win over Indian Women in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. 

Having said that, beating Sri Lanka convincingly is the only way India could improve their NRR by a fair margin. The key for the Indian unit would be to dismiss Chamari Athapaththu early around whom the Sri Lankan batting relies. India can’t afford to even win by a small margin. A massive win is essential at all costs.

Claim a win without losing a wicket

Against Sri Lanka, if the India women are asked to field first, they must be able to restrict the Sri Lankan women’s team to a total of under 120. An even better bowling performance is essential given the NRR scenario. So, the bowling unit must neither concede runs nor allow the batters to settle in the middle.

It’s very difficult to even beat the Australian women let alone improve the NRR against them. Hence, the focus must be on the game against SL-W. The Indian openers must go all guns blazing at the top, make use of the field restrictions, and they can claim a win without losing a wicket. That way, there’s room for an improved NRR.

Claim a win by over 70-80 runs

If India ends up batting first, a huge score is needed in the first innings. They must post a total of over 180 runs and defend it in a dominant way leading to a win by over 70 runs at least. India’s negative NRR of -1.217 is a bit too difficult to be neutralized. But to make it a positive one needs all the players to be at their best.

So far, no Indian batter has come anywhere close to their best form. In the big matches, it’s essential for the batters to fire. So far, the batters have struggled to get going. The best option they have to return to form would be against the Sri Lankan women’s bowling lineup. If they can’t hammer a lineup like that of Sri Lanka, there’s no room for an improved NRR.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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