Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Smriti Mandhana expressed her delight after India’s 17-run win over Australia in the series-deciding T20I, calling the victory “really special.” She also stressed that the team will “not celebrate too much” and will quickly shift focus to the upcoming ODI series, starting Tuesday.India clinched the final match in Adelaide to take a 4-2 lead in the multi-format series. A match-winning 121-run partnership between Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues helped India post a strong 176/6. Mandhana scored 82 off 55 balls and was named Player of the Match, while Rodrigues added 59.
Speaking after the game, Mandhana said, “It was good to contribute to the series win. I think beating Australia in Australia is something really special. I’m really happy for the team and glad that I could contribute.” She praised Rodrigues for changing the momentum early in their partnership, saying, “When she came in, I think I was 16-ball 15 and still getting my timing, and she came in, got three or four boundaries, got the momentum going, and I could take some time.” She added that those quick boundaries helped calm her down and credited Rodrigues for her knock.Mandhana also spoke about the importance of the win, saying, “I think we did beat them in 2016 back when we had come here, but I think we’ve played T20 after a very long time in Australia, so beating them is really nice.”India’s bowlers then delivered a strong performance, picking early wickets and keeping Australia under pressure. Ashleigh Gardner scored 57, but India’s disciplined bowling and fielding, including a stunning diving catch by Rodrigues, restricted Australia to 159/9.Despite the memorable win, Mandhana remained grounded and focused on the future. “We will move on to the ODI series and not celebrate too much,” she said.With confidence from the T20I triumph, India will now prepare for the ODI series starting February 24, as they look to continue their strong run in Australia after their historic World Cup win last year.
