During the third T20I between India and South Africa, Pooja Vastrakar’s exceptional bowling performance caught the attention of cricket fans and experts alike. Former Indian leg-spinner Reema Malhotra lauded Vastrakar’s match-winning spell, highlighting the bowling all-rounder’s growth and the team’s investment in her development.
Vastrakar’s Stellar Performance
The match, held in Chennai on July 9, saw India level the three-match series 1-1, with the second game ending in no result. Vastrakar’s impressive figures of 4/13 in 3.1 overs were instrumental in restricting the Proteas to a mere 84 runs. India then comfortably chased down the target without losing a wicket, with 55 deliveries to spare.
Malhotra’s Insights on Vastrakar’s Growth
Reema Malhotra emphasized the Indian team’s commitment to Vastrakar’s development. She noted, “The Indian team has invested a lot in her. They have given her a lot of time to get ready. She was fighting injuries a little at the start but a new Pooja Vastrakar is being seen now. She has gained experience and has worked a lot on her fitness, which is clearly visible.”
Technical Mastery on Display
Malhotra particularly praised Vastrakar’s bowling technique, discussing her control and ability to hit the right lengths. “If we talk about bowling, if a bowler knows which length to hit on a particular wicket, you can be a reason for headaches for the batters, and I feel that was seen today. We saw changes of pace, she bowled length balls, and when you bowl a higher percentage of good balls, your control will look better, and that was seen in Pooja Vastrakar’s bowling,” Malhotra added.
Key Wickets and Tactical Brilliance
Vastrakar’s performance included crucial wickets, most notably dismissing the dangerous Marizanne Kapp in the powerplay. She followed this up by claiming the wickets of Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, and Eliz-Mari Marx, completing her impressive four-wicket haul. Malhotra identified Vastrakar’s bowling and Smriti Mandhana’s batting as the two biggest positives for India.
World Cup Preparations on Track
Discussing the significance of these performances in the context of India’s World Cup preparations, Malhotra said, “Smriti Mandhana’s batting and Pooja Vastrakar’s bowling. If you tick those two boxes, you have got success now itself in your preparations for the World Cup. They are two major players.” She further emphasized, “Other players are also important but if Smriti stays at the crease, she does not score 30s or 40s, she makes big scores, and you need an opener like that. Pooja bowls with the new ball in the powerplay and at the death, and gives you wickets in the middle overs.”
Vastrakar’s performance against South Africa underscores the depth of talent in the Indian women’s cricket team. As the team continues to prepare for the World Cup, the contributions of players like Vastrakar and Mandhana will be crucial in their quest for glory.
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