NEW DELHI: India's fielding coach Munish Bali showered praise on Amanjot Kaur, hailing her as an 'impact player' whose stellar all-round display played a crucial role in India's redemption with a five-wicket victory over England in the final women's T20I.
The win came as a consolation after facing comprehensive defeats in the initial two matches.
Bali commended Amanjot's contributions, stating, "She's an impact player; if you see, she bowled the fourth over in the powerplay and bowled very well. She fielded very well. She bowled for 3-4 overs yesterday and made an immediate impact with a brilliant catch."
Facing a challenging scenario with 11 runs needed in the last two overs, Amanjot showcased her batting prowess by scoring 13 runs off just four balls, including three boundaries.
Bali emphasised her impact, saying, "When we were chasing today, 12 off 12 balls, the first ball she (faced was) whipped through the covers."
In reflecting on India's overall performance, Bali acknowledged the difficulties of adjusting to playing under lights after a lengthy break. He noted the team's improvement as the series progressed, attributing it to dedicated practice sessions under lights.
1/10:3rd T20I: India grab consolation victory against England
AP
2/10:India beat England
<p>India sealed a five-wicket win over England in a low-scoring third and final Women's T20 International at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. </p>PTI
3/10:Amanjot Kaur
<p>Playing for the first time in the series, Amanjot Kaur hit Sophie Ecclestone for three fours in the penultimate over to seal the win. </p>PTI
4/10:Consolation victory
<p>The consolation victory helped India finish the three-match series with a 1-2 scoreline ahead the one-off Test against the visitors from December 14. </p>AP
5/10:Finishing off the chase
<p>Having taken two wickets in the final over of England's innings earlier, Amanjot did well to finish off the 127-run chase with one over left. </p>AP
6/10:Richa Ghosh
<p>Needing 11 off the final two overs, India lost Richa Ghosh to Sophie Ecclestone, before Amanjot took them home comfortably. </p>AP
7/10:Smriti Mandhana
<p>India lost Shafali Verma (6) early, but Smriti Mandhana (48) and Jemimah Rodrigues (29) added 57 for the second wicket to put India's chase on track. </p>PTI
8/10:Shreyanka Patil
<p>Earlier, powered by their rookie spinners Shreyanka Patil (3-19) and Saika Ishaque (3-22), India shot out England for merely 126 in 20 overs. </p>ANI
9/10:Heather Knight
<p>Left reeling at 76/8 in the 15th over, after a collapse saw them lose 4 wickets for 9 runs in 20 balls, England skipper Heather Knight slammed a half-century. </p>AP
10/10:Much-needed win
<p>It was India's first win at home against England since March 2018 and before this win, they had suffered five straight defeats in the shortest format. </p>PTIEngland head coach Jon Lewis praised India's strategic selection of young talents, specifically mentioning Saika Ishaque and Shreyanka Patil. Lewis was impressed with Ishaque's control, noting, "She has got great control," and highlighted Patil's intelligence, skill, fielding ability, and all-round talent.
As both teams shifted to Navi Mumbai for the one-off Test at DY Patil from December 14-17, Lewis emphasised England's commitment to playing an 'aggressive' and 'smart' brand of cricket. He stressed the importance of putting opposition bowlers under pressure and absorbing pressure, fundamental aspects of Test cricket.
(With inputs from PTI)
