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Indian opener Smriti Mandhana played the perfect anchor knock in India’s run chase against New Zealand to win the series 2-1. Mandhana who looked lacklustre in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 barring the half-century against Sri Lanka, scored a hundred to break Mithali Raj’s record of most ODI centuries for India. After the 100-run knock, Mandhana opened up on her struggles and the team's in recent times.
“Really pleased to get the series win. As I said in the first game, it has been a tough 1 and a half months for this team. The first two games didn’t go my way so really happy I could get a score today. It was more about controlling my shots, you don’t bat the same way everyday. You’re in the best frame some days and you’re not other days,” the vice-captain said in the post-match presentation.
“Had to be little hard on myself early on and wait for the first 10 overs to go before taking the game on. For me what works is the harder way. Need to do it for the team first. Getting out early means I’ve let the team down and that thought doesn’t let me sleep well. As a cricketer you are going to get highs and lows, you need to keep the routine the same,” she added.
Smriti extended her record of most centuries by an Indian batter in ODI run chases. This was her third ODI century in a run chase. The knock came after low scores in the first two ODIs of the series. She departed after scoring five runs in the first match. In the second match, she was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Lea Tahuhu.
Harmanpreet lauds opener
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who scored an unbeaten 59 off 63 balls in the six-wicket win lauded 'Player of the match' Mandhana.
“Would like to give credit to Smriti, she was struggling early on but she managed to get runs. It was important for us as we wanted to win this series at any cost. Really happy about our partnership,” the 35-year-old said after the match.
