Opener Smriti Mandhana put on a show with the bat in India’s 155-run victory over West Indies in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Saturday (March 12).
Mandhana slammed 123 off 119 balls and was involved in a record 184-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur, who smashed 107-ball 109, to take the hosts to a mammoth 317/8 in 50 overs.
Later, India’s bowlers produced brilliance and bundled out the West Indies for 162 in 40.3 overs. Sneh Rana starred with the ball, returning with impressive figures of 3-22 in her 9.3 overs. Meghna Singh also claimed two scalps while Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jhulan Goswami, and Pooja Vastrakar chipped in with wicket apiece.
After the resounding victory, Mandhana came to the post-match presentation ceremony along with Harmanpreet and said both of them are the contenders for the Player-of-the-Match award.
“I think scoring a century and not being a Player of the Match is something I really wouldn't want as a player. I think we both contributed equally for us to score 300. So, I think it's good for us to share the trophy and I think both are good contenders to get it,” Mandhana said.
“As batters, we both prefer chasing and setting the target both together. Last game we didn't get going and in chasing it's very important to get the momentum. Our strengths are really different because she is really good with spin and I like pace on the ball. So when the spinner comes on I give her the strike and when the pacer comes on she gives me the strike,” she added.
Smriti Mandhana also joked that ICC has enough budget to give them separate trophies.
“I'm sure ICC will be giving another trophy and I'm sure they have enough budget to do that,” she said.
While Mandhana was happy to share the award, Harmanpreet said the southpaw deserved the honour more than her.
“I would love to give it to her because she scored more than me and she deserves that,” the Indian vice-captain said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
It was an important victory for the Women in Blue as they had suffered a 62-run defeat at the hands of hosts New Zealand in their second game.
India had defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 107 runs in their tournament opener and they are now placed in the top position among eight teams on the basis of superior net run-rate.
