India Women crushed Australia Women by 102 runs in the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, on a Wednesday, the 17 th day of September. Opening batswoman Smriti Mandhana made an amazing streak in white-ball cricket by notching up her 12th century on 50-over international. Mandhana, the first Indian batter who led the defeat, was the most striking player in the triumph, who made 117 runs on only 91 balls.
Smriti Mandhana opened as an aggressor, playing with Pratika Rawal. The Mumbai native was pleased to have contributed to the team’s victory in the second of the three-match series, even if she was aware that her previous two hundreds had come against the Australians in a losing cause. She added that, although obviously keeping the surface conditions in mind, she will continue to use a similar strategy with the bat in the forthcoming Women’s ODI World Cup.
“The last two hundreds which I got against Australia were in a losing cause, so happy we won the match today. Game plan was simple — o make use of the powerplay and then try and build and innings, and if it was in my slot, to go after it. Getting to an above-par depends on the conditions and who we play. You know the Australian team and you need to get 280-290, so our bowlers get that extra cushion. The wicket is really flat, so had to be aggressive. Throughout the World Cup as well, there wouldn’t be one game where I won’t be aggressive, but it will depend on the conditions.”
Smriti Mandhana
“We Complement Each Other Well” – Smriti Mandhana Opens Up on Strong Bond With Pratika Rawal
The Maharashtra batter had faith in her collaboration with Pratika Rawal, another opener. For those who are unaware, the combination averages the greatest first-wicket partnership among all openers in Women’s ODI for pairs that have amassed at least 1000 runs between them. Mandhana believes that she and the Delhi batter want to keep things simple, and that has been effective for them.
“We (herself and Pratika Rawal) complement each other well. She is calm and composed. I am also that way. We do not complicate stuff. It is going well, and hopefully it keeps going well.”
Smriti Mandhana
Speaking of the series’ third and last ODI, it will now take place on Saturday, September 20 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. For both teams, this will be their final 50-over game before the World Cup. Since the series is now knotted at one, the match will also be a series decider.
