Pandey highlighted the challenge posed by South Africa\u2019s formidable pace attack, describing it as the strongest bowling unit in the tournament. \u201cIndia's opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have given India many strong starts. But they will face their toughest test yet,\u201d Pandey said on JioStar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSouth Africa has the best bowling attack in this Women's T20 World Cup. Their new-ball pair is one of the most dangerous in the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pandey singled out veteran quick Shabnim Ismail and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp as key threats. \u201cShabnim Ismail has made a strong comeback and she\u2019s bowling with good pace. Marizanne Kapp has already taken three wickets against Pakistan and is bowling with great control. Both will test the Indian openers with swing, seam, and bounce,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also pointed to Ayabonga Khaka\u2019s ability to move the ball away from right-handers, adding another dimension to South Africa\u2019s attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India pacer believes Mandhana will need to be cautious against the moving ball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSmriti Mandhana has been dismissed in the past trying to drive away from her body, often caught in the slips or behind the stumps. She will need to be selective against the moving ball,\u201d Pandey noted, while predicting an exciting duel between Ismail and Verma. \u201cShabnim Ismail vs Shafali Verma will be a spicy contest. Shafali loves a challenge, and Ismail is not afraid to use the bouncer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pandey also praised Mandhana\u2019s evolution as a T20 batter, particularly her transformation into a power-hitter. \u201cIndia's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has worked extensively on her power-hitting. A perfect example of that was the WPL final, where we saw her playing shots through deep mid-wicket with great success,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSmriti Mandhana has been dismissed in the past trying to drive away from her body, often caught in the slips or behind the stumps. She will need to be selective against the moving ball,\u201d Pandey noted, while predicting an exciting duel between Ismail and Verma. \u201cShabnim Ismail vs Shafali Verma will be a spicy contest. Shafali loves a challenge, and Ismail is not afraid to use the bouncer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to her, Mandhana\u2019s expanded range has made her one of the most complete batters in the shortest format. \u201cSmriti is now accessing deep square leg, which was never her primary scoring area before. She has also added the conventional sweep to her game. When she steps out, she looks to hit straight, if not she has a plan B of going over covers. Her back-foot play has always been strong, but the way she has added power hitting to her game is remarkable. She is no longer just a timing player; she is now a complete T20 batter who can dominate both sides of the wicket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n