New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) Anjum Chopra provided her expert analysis regarding India’s upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup clash against South Africa. She conveyed her belief that star batter Smriti Mandhana is poised to match Meg Lanning’s all-time record for the most centuries.

Anjum emphasized that Mandhana needs to rise to the occasion and excel in the upcoming matches to bolster India’s prospects in this grand event.

During her discussion on JioHostar, Anjum remarked that the left-handed batswoman tends to thrive against the Proteas, particularly enjoying the opportunity to strike through the line. The seasoned player also highlighted that the Indian vice-captain must embrace her leadership duties and 'fine-tune' her mental approach.

“Smriti Mandhana's ability to handle the ball well and strike through the line will undoubtedly benefit her, particularly against South Africa’s pace bowlers. It’s essential for her to calm those butterflies in her mind, heart, and stomach, reminding herself that it’s merely another cricket match. Sure, it’s a World Cup match, but ultimately it’s still about the ‘see ball, hit ball’ philosophy that she has executed brilliantly over the past year and a half.

“With over 400 runs accumulated this season, it’s crucial for her to embrace her role as vice-captain; she’s anticipated to deliver match-winning innings when the team requires her. It’s about fine-tuning her mindset and staying alert to how situations can evolve on the field.”

The former India captain further expressed that a player’s statistics hold little value unless showcased during World Cup matches. She believes that Mandhana must acknowledge the significance of participating in a home World Cup and seize the limited chances available.

“All those statistics we often discuss don’t hold weight unless they occur in a World Cup. That’s a record Smriti would want to rectify swiftly. Time waits for no one, and opportunities like a home World Cup are rare. It’s not that Smriti won’t score another century; she will. She’s only one shy of Meg Lanning’s all-time record for centuries.

“However, the critical aspect is that when you’re part of a World Cup, especially at home, every day becomes vital. This matters not just for India’s outcomes but also for her individual performances.

“Given Smriti’s immense talent, expectations are inevitable. Ultimately, it is up to the batter to calm herself and remember that it’s simply a one-ball game,” Anjum added.

After securing victories in their first two matches, India aims to continue their winning streak against South Africa on Thursday at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

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