Women's T20WC 2024: India's fielding coach lift's team morale after New Zealand loss in tournament opener

After India's disappointing start to their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, fielding coach Munish Bali provided a piece of motivation to the side. Notably, the Women in Blue suffered a rather unexpected 58-run loss to New Zealand in their tournament opener. 

Consequently, the defeat against White Ferns has put immense pressure on the team, especially considering the tough group they're placed in. However, the team's fielding showed moments of brilliance, particularly after some initial hiccups in the powerplay overs. Despite the overall disappointing performance, there were notable bright spots in India's fielding efforts.

Interestingly, just like the men's cricket team, women's cricket too is following the 'fielding medal recognition' in the camp. Jemimah Rodrigues covered substantial ground and saved crucial runs for her team. Hence, her efforts were recognized as she was awarded the Best Fielder medal.

Like how we bounced back in fielding, let's bounce back in next game: Munish Bali 

While addressing the team in the dressing room, Munish Bali focused on the positives and the team's ability to recover. He praised the fielding comeback after early lapses. Notably, there were some initial hiccups before women hit the ground running with some sheer fielding brilliance both in terms of ground fielding and catch efforts.

Smriti Mandhana and Shreyanka Patil showed their good reflexes with their catching skills. Citing such good examples, the coach hoped that just like fielding, the team would move forward with a positive mindset and bounce back strongly in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup.

Also Read: Jemimah Rodrigues shares her thoughts on umpire’s dead ball verdict against New Zealand

"Tough luck girls, I know it was not an ideal start, it's not the start that we wanted. We will bounce back. The way we fielded, if we erase the sixth over, where we did two errors, after that, we came back into the match. Well done. Smriti Mandhana and Shreyanka Patil, excellent catch. Pooja Vastrakar, excellent efforts, fielding around and diving. Three brilliant saves in the boundary. Like how we bounced back in fielding, let's bounce back in the next game," said Bali in the video shared by the BCCI on their Instagram handle.

New Zealand posted a formidable total of 160 runs, courtesy of captain Sophie Devine's quickfire 56 off 37 balls. Team India's chase saw early obstacles, with both openers dismissed by Eden Carson, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur falling for 15. The team was eventually bowled out for 102 in 19 overs, with New Zealand's Rosemary Mair claiming impressive figures of 4/19. The Women in Blue will next lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on October 6.