We're really working hard on fielding but don't know why we keep dropping catches: Harmanpreet
Visakhapatnam (PTI): India were outstanding with the bat and the ball in their comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first T20 International on Sunday, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur promised a better fielding show from her team in the next game.
Indian players had a bad day in the office in the fielding department, spilling a few regulation catches, though they restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 121 for 6.
Jemimah Rodrigues then starred with the bat with 69 not out off 44 balls as India chased down the target of 122 with 32 balls to spare.
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"Yeah, did well with bat and ball but fielding is something we're really working hard. But I don't know why we keep dropping catches but yeah next match we'll come up with even better approach.
"It's wet (because of dew), no doubt about it but it's no excuse. We know these conditions are going to be there. I think that is something which we really need to think about it because at crucial matches these things can cost us. In next match I'm sure we'll come up with a better approach."
Asked if her team is also ready to bat first, put up a total and try to defend it, she said, "Well, we are also playing after almost a month (after ODI World Cup triumph) so we don't want to unnecessarily challenge ourselves.
"I think I feel whatever is the condition just think how we can do better for our team so I think today was something we wanted to bowl first and then chase. I think will really did well so I don't want to unnecessarily keep challenging ourselves.
"I think it's better to go with the situation and how we can show our better approach."
Player of the match Rodrigues said she wanted to continue with the good form of the ODI World Cup.
"When the runs are coming, I need to capitalise. That was the mindset," she said.
Asked if four to five fielders will be needed to stop her late cut, she quipped, "I will still find the gaps."
Her mindset was to understand the conditions and play accordingly.
"It was slightly sticky, not as flat as everyone initially though. I was in good touch. My mindset was simple. In my mind I was blank, I was just reacting to the ball."
On the team's mindset, Rodrigues said, "We have been going really well. What has happened in the past has happened. What's next? It is the T20 World Cup. We just want to win that."
On playing Sri Lankan spinner Shashini Gimhani whom she struck four boundaries in an over, Rodrigues said, "Our video analysts told us that she is very good. She is a rising star and will be doing well for SL. I was just reacting to her deliveries and playing over the fielder."
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu admitted that 121 was a not a good total to defend.
"We have to bounce back in the next game. We did a lot of mistakes in the middle. We have to play positive cricket in the middle."
Asked about the dew factor, she said, "We can't play the conditions. We have to play in these conditions and hopefully we can play better cricket in the next few days. We need to improve a few areas especially in batting.
"We have to play positive cricket. We played very defensive cricket. We have to be positive. I have to show more responsibility and I have to lead from the front. I hope the youngsters also do better."
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ISRO, TIFR sign MoU for collaboration in space science, tech, exploration
Bengaluru (PTI): In a landmark event for India's space exploration programme, ISRO on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TIFR for scientific collaboration in the domain of space science, technology, and exploration, the space agency said.
The signing ceremony took place at ISRO Headquarters here, and was presided over by the space agency's Chairman V Narayanan.
In a statement, ISRO said that this event marks a historical milestone, as it establishes the formal framework for scientific collaboration between ISRO and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, organisations that have shared an "umbilical" relationship in space sciences for over several decades.
"While TIFR played a critical role in the formative days of the Indian space programme through early balloon experiments and mission-specific partnerships like AstroSat, this MoU provides a structured multi-year collaboration in ground and space-based scientific exploration of the outer space," the space agency said.
ISRO Chairman Narayanan in his presidential address stated that this MoU bridges a critical gap in the formal framework for science collaboration.
He highlighted that India is entering an era where science extends to exoplanetary study and the development of several national capabilities.
Collaboration between ISRO and TIFR would facilitate the materialisation of the nation's target to achieve excellence in space science in the global arena.
Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO recalled TIFR's role as the "cradle of Indian space scientists," noting its pivotal contributions to the early day's of the country's space programme, which paved the way to TIFR's contributions to the AstroSat mission.
Jayaram Chengalur, Director, TIFR emphasised that the institute will leverage national space and ground-based technological capabilities to propose projects that translate fundamental scientific knowledge into tangible advancements aligned with national initiatives.
According to ISRO, this partnership significantly enhances India's might in space exploration by fostering a seamless pipeline between academic excellence and space infrastructure. By co-developing indigenous hardware and joint testing facilities, the MoU reduces dependency on foreign entities.
Furthermore, this collaboration ensures that joint activities will place India at the forefront of global fundamental space science, it added.
