Reading conditions is an art and Jemimah emerged as an artist: Reema Malhotra

During the Women's Premier League (WPL 2024) showdown on Tuesday, March 5, Reema Malhotra praised Jemimah Rodrigues for her remarkable performance in the Delhi Capitals' clash against the Mumbai Indians in Delhi. Rodrigues' explosive innings of 69 runs from just 33 balls propelled DC to set a formidable target of 193 runs. The hosts' bowling unit then displayed exceptional skill, limiting the defending champions to 163 for 8, securing a 29-run victory and strengthening their lead atop the points table.

When questioned about her thoughts on Rodrigues' rapid innings, Malhotra, the former India player, commended the Delhi Capitals' middle-order batter for assessing the conditions before accelerating. Rodrigues initially scored just 13 runs off the first 14 deliveries she faced. However, the right-handed batter swiftly hammered 56 runs off her next 19 balls, showcasing her adaptability and skillset in the game.

"There used to be a question mark over her strike rate always. However, I have never doubted her because I have seen her playing domestic cricket, especially this season. She has come after scoring a century. She played many such knocks there," Malhotra said during a discussion on Sports 18.

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"The sort of knock she played today, only nine runs came off the first 10 balls. It means she was reading the pitch and the conditions. Reading the conditions is also an art and there she emerged as an artist," she added.

She forced the bowlers to bowl to her strengths: Malhotra

Furthermore, Reema Malhotra observed Jemimah Rodrigues' strategic approach to her innings and noted her adeptness at adjusting to the low bounce of the Delhi pitch. The former cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted the DC batter’s ability to outwit the bowlers, entering the fray when Delhi Capitals stood at 79 for 2 after 9.3 overs. Rodrigues then forged crucial partnerships with Meg Lanning, Marizanne Kapp, and Jess Jonassen, showcasing her match awareness.

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"You needed technique, patience and skill to score runs on this pitch. If you are hasty and play high-risk cricket, you might have to pay for it here. We got to see shots all around the ground. Don't talk about her form, this player has a lot of class. She forced the bowlers to bowl to her strengths and not according to their field placements. She went outside off-stump, there weren't any fielders in the deep in the off side, the bowler chased her and she scored runs over point. This is called smart cricket," she concluded.