Anjum Chopra is criticized for questioning Smriti Mandhan after the clash in Pakistan

Anjum Chopra’s comments on Smriti Mandhana after India’s victory over Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup in Dubai on Saturday drew criticism from fans, with many coming out in support of the Indian opener.

During the broadcast, Chopra questioned India’s batting after the team lost three wickets while chasing just 56 runs. She also pointed to the first ball Mandhana faced for which the opener was given a reprieve. The former Indian batsman felt that India needed to look at the way their batters were getting out.

“A player who scored a century in the previous match is out on the very first ball. The other thing is that the umpire didn’t hear it, but we did, didn’t we?” Chopra said.

This is some crazy level of hatred towards Smriti, my god she has been talking about her directly or indirectly all the time

Smriti my baccha Just sending you strength and prayers let’s be strong pic.twitter.com/SGDSd3BiKH— peter pan (@smritiznn) September 5, 2026

Mandhana had luck on her side as Sadia Iqbal bowled her outside off and there was a clear sound as the ball passed the bat. Pakistan called for him to be caught but the umpire refused and allowed Mandhana to survive despite almost returning.

Mandhana eventually fell for nine off 11 balls as Fatima Sana trapped her lbw. The Pakistan captain bowled the ball and got it to come back, Mandhana dropped the bat late and pinned it in front of middle and leg.

Mandhana had earlier produced a brilliant 124 off 64 balls, hitting 14 fours and seven sixes as India posted 193/5 against Hong Kong. However, she failed to reach double figures against Pakistan.

Fans were quick to point out that one setback should not take away from Mandhana’s influence in the tournament, with many criticizing Chopra’s remarks.

MANDHAN’S FAILURE COMES IN ONE-SIDED INDIA A WINNER

India had very little to worry about after their bowlers put in a brilliant performance. Pakistan were bowled out for just 55, their lowest total in a women’s T20I. Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each while Deepti Sharma claimed two.

India then lost Shafali Verma, Pratik Rawal and Mandhana early and slipped to 29 for three. But there was never any real danger in the chase, with Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma remaining unbeaten as India reached the target in just 8.4 overs.

Chopra felt that the three early wickets were not necessarily the biggest problem, but the manner in which India lost them was worth noting.

“I think it’s not a good thing for the Indian team. If you lose three wickets chasing 56 runs, that’s fine. But it’s about how they get out and which balls and which shots they get. That’s the worrying part,” she said.

However, for fans defending Mandhana, the bigger picture was clear. A nine-run dismissal against Pakistan does not erase her record knock against Hong Kong, where she became the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and also moved to the top for most centuries in women’s international cricket.

India, meanwhile, will go into the semi-finals undefeated. With wins over Thailand, Hong Kong and Pakistan, the Women in Blue finished top of Group A with six points and a net pace of +5.471.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 20:10 IST