• Source:JND

Former India captain Mithali Raj reckons that India should think about promoting skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to number four in the batting order after their six-wicket loss to South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Old Trafford.

While discussing India’s defeat, Mithali also praised left-arm spinner Shree Charani for her impressive bowling spell that briefly brought India back into the match.

“It was a disappointing game for India because, had they won this, they would be on top of the table, and now they have no other choice but to beat Australia to get into the semi-finals. It was their game to win because it’s a little tough road ahead. From batting order point of view, we haven’t seen Harmanpreet bat that late at number five very often, so perhaps she can come in at number four and Jemimah at number five.

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“Jemimah has played at number five before and scored a lot of runs there. By the time she comes in, she will most likely face the spinners, which is her strength. She can use her feet and plays the scoops and sweeps well. That could help build her confidence, get her back into rhythm and regain that momentum, with Harmanpreet batting ahead of Jemimah,” Mithali told JioStar.

India vs South Africa clash

India looked set to strengthen their position in Group A after putting up 158 runs on the board. However, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 81 off just 45 balls and guided her side to victory in the final over. The defeat was India’s first of the tournament and has made their path to the semi-finals much tougher.

Mithali lauds Shree Charani

Despite the loss, Mithali highlighted Shree Charani’s performance as one of the biggest positives for India. The young left-arm spinner struck twice in a single over to leave South Africa at 25/2 and later returned to claim another wicket during an excellent spell.

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“Shree Charani is a quick learner. She made her debut in English conditions, so she pretty much knows the conditions. There wasn’t much turn on offer for her on a pitch like this, but she made sure that she was attacking the stumps consistently and keeping them in play as much as she could. She varied her pace and lengths and even set the fields she wanted.

“Getting those two big wickets in that one over brought India back into the game. Even when she was brought on for her second spell, Charani bowled very tight lines. She hardly gave anything away outside off stump,” she added.

Charani’s wickets had slowed South Africa’s chase after a careful start, but Kapp’s aggressive batting, along with two dropped catches, proved costly for India. The Proteas stayed alive in the tournament with the win, while India now face a must-win situation.

India's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal qualification scenario

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side will need victories against Bangladesh and Australia in their remaining group matches to secure a place in the semi-finals.


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