Mamatha Madiwala shines on India A debut, relishes experience of facing Women’s World Cup bound New Zealand

While Shafali Verma (70, 49b, 11×4, 1×6) helped set up India A’s four-wicket win (DLS method) against New Zealand in an ICC Women’s World Cup warm-up match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence 2 in Bengaluru, it was Mamatha Madiwala (56 n.o., 60b, 6×4, 1×6), the other half-centurion, who took the team over the line.

“Facing international stars like Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr was great. I was constantly talking with Minnu akka, and she ensured that we played according to the situation. Even Shafali spoke with me, told me that the wicket was good and asked me to play my natural game,” Mamatha, who frustrated the White Ferns with an unbeaten 105-run stand with skipper Minnu Mani, told The Hindu.

“Sometimes, I have self-doubts. But after playing well against New Zealand, I think I have a little more confidence in myself. If I get a chance to play for India, I think I am ready, mentally and physically,” the 22-year-old gushed after a memorable India-A debut.

“After I scored the winning shot, everyone was cheering for me. They hugged me and encouraged me, telling me that I am an upcoming star,” she said.

Mamatha singled out Bree Illing as the toughest bowler she faced in the game. “She was almost bowling 115-120 kmph, I guess. She was bowling bouncers, and I was trying to quickly learn how to play her. It was a fantastic experience. I did hit a big six, almost 70 meters, off her, though” she exclaimed.

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The result aside, Mamatha also expressed satisfaction at having the chance to study and learn from some of the world’s finest women cricketers.

“They are so powerful. They play with so much power, intent and positivity. The way they talk to their partners and the way they speak in the field, that’s something I found very educational.”

Her father Veeresh gave up a steady hardware job in Kalaburagi in Karnataka to move his family to Hyderabad. Her parents took on odd jobs – including washing clothes and working as domestic helps – so that Mamatha’s cricketing aspirations could take flight.

Mamatha also hailed former Andhra Cricket Association secretary V. Chamundeswaranath for encouraging her. “Chamundi sir has always been there for me, financially and also motivating me. Even before this match, he gave me a new pair of shoes and a bat. I used the same bat in the match today.”