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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Karnataka leads in AI: Minister Priyank Kharge at Impact Summit
Bengaluru (PTI): Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday highlighted the state’s leadership in AI and deep technology while engaging with global industry leaders and startups at a four-day summit held in New Delhi, officials said.
During the event, Priyank witnessed the signing of a strategic MoU between H Company and St John’s Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru, to pilot advanced enterprise AI for hospital operations and workflow automation, strengthening responsible AI in healthcare, the minister’s office said in a statement here.
Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, the minister said Karnataka is ahead of the curve in AI.
“We are already home to leading global AI players such as Harvey AI and Anthropic, and The Walt Disney Company is expanding its AI network in Bengaluru,” he added.
Noting Bengaluru’s position among the top global cities for AI talent, he added, “Under our DeepTech Decade, we are supporting startups with grants of up to Rs 1 crore. We are engaging with global leaders and innovators to ensure responsible AI use, build the right skill sets, create strong incubators, and establish Centres of Excellence that can foster startups and strengthen e-governance.”
The minister also attended a roundtable organised by the US-India Business Council (USIBC), where discussions focused on strengthening technology collaboration, investment partnerships, and innovation-led growth between Karnataka and global enterprises.
He met Timo Harakka, Member of Parliament of Finland, to explore possibilities for collaboration between Karnataka and Finland in AI and deep-tech sectors, including joint research, innovation partnerships, and startup exchanges.
The Karnataka IT Minister also visited the Indian Army showcase at the summit, which featured advanced AI-driven defence and strategic technology applications, highlighting the role of AI in national security and modernisation efforts.
He toured the Karnataka Pavilion and the ArtPark Pavilion, interacting with founders and teams from Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem and reviewing emerging AI and deep-tech solutions, the statement added.
