I've to bat till 20 overs to avoid another collapse: Mandhana

The repeated failure of India's middle-order to rise to the occasion has prompted Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana to believe that she needs to "practically bat for 18 to 20 overs" in order to keep the team in hunt during stiff chases.

Mandhana smashed a 58-run knock off 34 balls but the Indian women's cricket team failed to make it count as they were dismissed for 136 all out while chasing a target of 160.

"My wicket along with Jemimah's turned out to be crucial. If you get out back-to-back in T20, it proves costly. When you are chasing 160 and the run-rate is above 7 or 8, next time we have to plan and play better. It didn't work out today," Mandhana said after the match.

"Practically, I would say I have to bat till 20 overs, that is the best option. The more I bat till 18 overs, we won't collapse because if the top three or 4 batters can bat till the 18-20th overs then rest can revolve around them, so tactically that is what I will try to do," Mandhana said but it was also an indication that the current middle-order lacks finisher.

Mandhana bettered her record of fastest fifty by an Indian en route to a 58-run knock off 34 balls.

Asked if was her best, she responded: "You never know what your best is. I can't limit myself to a 60 and say it is my best. If I can chase my total and if I win matches for India, then only it would be my best."
"You have to select the areas. Today when we had got the run-rate under 7, I know it was a bad shot to play, because I had only got a boundary, so all these things we will be thinking as a unit."
"Being 1-0 down, we will be under the pump, every one will be aiming to be better than what we were today and win the next two matches for India, that is what were are thinking and not what happened today."