It was important for us that Harmanpreet got runs- Smriti Mandhana on win in 5th ODI against New Zealand

Mandhana, Harmanpreet and Mithali scored fifties as India won the 5th ODI by 6 wickets.

India women defeated New Zealand women in the fifth and final ODI between the two sides and Player of the Match Smriti Mandhana said that it was important for the Women in Blue that vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur got some runs under her belt.

Despite the win, New Zealand won the series 4-1, but for the Indian team, it was the bowling performance as well, as the white ferns were restricted to 251/9 in 50 overs with Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana taking 2 wickets each.

In reply, Mandhana made 71 in 84 balls with 9 fours and Harmanpreet Kaur made 63 in 66 balls with 6 fours and 1 six. Mithali Raj remained unbeaten on 54 with 5 fours as India romped home with 6 wickets in hand and 4 overs to spare.

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“It has been a tough month for us as a team and for the three of us who were in quarantine (Renuka and Meghna Singh being the other two). It is good to be back in the open air, play some cricket and contribute for India,” said Mandhana in the post-match press conference.

“We needed a good base to chase 250 and that is what were looking for. Batting first, we are getting good scores around 250. Of course, we are not getting the wins. It is something we are working on, defending totals. We will get better. That is the talk in the camp and I am sure it will happen in the World Cup,” said the southpaw.

Talking about Harmanpreet’s return to form, Mandhana said: “It was really important for the team. It was good to see her playing all those shots she was playing. I was just happy to watch that from the other end. For the team going into the World Cup, it was really important that both of us score and get confidence with all other batters.”

India open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on March 6.

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Mandhana also revealed that the mood in the camp remained positive despite five losses in a row including the one-off T20.

She said: “I think all the girls are really disconnected from the outside noise. Everyone was really positive when we joined the team later. All were keen to go out and work hard. This win is going to give us a boost.”

The left-hander also said veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami did not play all the games as part of workload management. She also praised the bowlers for their performance in the last match.

“We need fresh legs going into the World Cup. The bowlers did amazing today. Bowled as per plan. It was good to see. Overall in the series, it has been tough conditions to bowl in, flat wickets and good outfield. It took a while for them to figure how to bowl in these conditions. The bowling partnerships were amazing today, especially between 20-40 overs, something we were lacking,” said Mandhana.

(PTI inputs)