'I told Richa, match khatam karke aana hai': Mandhana feels record-breaking run chase against Australia might not have happened one year back

When it came to closing finish games, Indian women's team have not able to succeed until December 11 night in Mumbai whether it was Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 final or ODI World Cup 2017. Inspired by Smriti Mandhana's spirited 79, big-hitter Richa Ghosh took it up a notch and helped India become the first team to beat Australia in 2022 in the format. After a super over thriller, Mandhana feels that a run chase like this "might not have happened" a year back and also revealed what she told Richa as she returned to the dugout in a high-scoring affair.
"We haven't come good in close games against them although we have given them a fight. Close matches are something that whole Indian team is trying to work on and it started from the Commonwealth Games semi-final. Some matches have started going our way. People are adapting to pressure and we have a lot of match-winners," Mandhana said at the post-match press conference after a historic win. 
When Mandhana got out, India still needed 45 runs from 25 deliveries. The unbeaten partnership between Richa and Devika Vaidya helped India stun Aussies and take the game into super over.
"If 45 is required off 25 balls, the Indian women's team, a year back, you never knew and it might not have happened. Now we have Richa, Deepti (Sharma) and we have Devika (Vaidya). They are developing well," the senior player said.
"When I got out (in regulation overs), as I was leaving, I told Richa, match khatam karke aana hai (You have to finish the match) and she replied, "Okay Didi". I knew she would do something special."
The Indian vice-captain had faith in Richa but she did not imagine that the game would be decided in super over. This was also the first time she had been a part of super over for India.
"I would be lying if I say I visualised. Not even in my dreams I expected a Super Over. Now that it has happened, may be I will visualise that I can do it," the 26-year-old added.
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India faced the mighty Australians in a packed DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night. As Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) distributed free tickets, it turned out to be a big boost for the women in blue. 
"The WIPL has been announced. It is a massive opportunity and a stepping stone. This is the last home series we are playing before WIPL. If people come to watch these matches, I am sure this will give confidence to all those who would bid for the teams," she said.
Mandhana also welcomed BCCI’s decision to send teenagers Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh for the inaugural Under-19 T20 World Cup next year.
"When we were 16 or 17, we used to hear rumours about U-19 women's World Cup. It will be good for them and also we can play two girls in their places and know what our bench strength is," the senior played said.