ICC Women’s World T20: 3 reasons behind India's semi-final defeat

On a wonderful night in Antigua where cool wind from beaches was breaking into the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the locals were flocking through the gates to witness the doubleheader semi-finals of the 2018 Women’s World T20.

Table-toppers West Indies and India were taking on four-time world champion Australia and 2017 World Cup winner England respectively. A lot was expected from India as they went into the semi-final on the back of four wins from four matches.

In the first game, West Indies were thrashed by the rampaging Southern Stars. Alyssa Healy carrying her golden form into the semi-final and bagged a record 4th player of the match award in five matches.

In the second semi-final, India faced a stern test against England. The Women in Blue battled hard to score 112 in 20 overs on a slow and turning deck. Unfortunately, they struggled to fire with the ball.

Here are three factors that played a role in India crashing out of the tournament in the semi-final.

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#3 Failure to capitalise on good start

Smriti Mandhana scored a quick-fire cameo and provided a strong start

Smriti Mandhana and her opening partner Taniya Bhatia started off the innings in a solid manner and added up 43 runs in no time. Mandhana built the momentum for a big score before she departed off Ecclestone’s bowling.

Riding on the momentum, Taniya tried her luck with some powerful shots in the air but ended up holing out to experienced Natalie Sciver. England were all over India in the space of 2 or 3 overs. Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the Indian innings with sensible singles and quick boundaries.

Before this pair could have become dangerous, Tammy Beaumont’s quick throw from cover point settled into the keeper’s hand and laid the foundation of India’s sudden collapse. India failed to compile a significant partnership and were bundled out for just 112 runs.

#2 Effect of dew later in the match

Amy Jones powered England to victory

With a great combination of slow left-arm and off-break options, Heather Knight rotated her bowlers very well. As soon as Mandhana departed, she started applying more and more pressure from the combination of spinners. England's tactics paid off as Rodrigues went back to pavilion.

As the match progressed, the slowness of the wicket was gone. The pitch became flatter and dew started playing its role. The effect of the wet ball was quite new to the Indian women as their previous four matches were all day games.

The onset of dew allowed England batters to play their shots quite comfortably. Harmanpreet had limited options and could not use them to their strengths. The lengths England women bowled in the first innings were seldom seen once Amy Jones started scoring freely.

Harmanpreet utilized all available options but was not enough to stop the England juggernaut led by Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones.

#1 Leaving out Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj could have made a difference with her experience

The most experienced and highest run scorer for India in the shortest format, Mithali Raj’s exclusion from the playing XI was the boldest decision the team management made. They stuck to the same playing XI which had beaten Australia the other day. However, the move backfired as the skipper and management felt immense pressure at the end of the match.

The slowness of the deck and pressure of the big match suits the batting style of Mithali Raj. A player of her calibre is hard to find. The right-hander bagged the Player of the Match award in both matches she got the chance to bat in the tournament.

Mithali's presence in the semi-final could have made a significant difference in the batting department as well as on the field to guide Harmanpreet Kaur. She is an asset to the team and cannot be left out at the crucial juncture of such a big tournament.