After India’s Super Over win over Australia in the second women’s T20I in Mumbai on Sunday (December 11), opening batter Smriti Mandhana said the work put in during the last 12 months showed in the team’s close win against the defending world champions.
Notably, the Women in Blue have failed to finish off close games over the years. However, they rode on Mandhana’s 49-ball 79 to almost pull off their highest-ever chase before both teams tied at 187.
Mandhana was also the architect of India’s Super Over win as she scored 13 runs to take India to 20/1. The hosts then restricted the visitors to 16/1 and levelled the five-match series 1-1.
"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.
"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," she added.
In fact, she had confidence in Richa Ghosh to pull off something special. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 26 not out off 13 balls before hitting a six in the Super Over.
"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."
Talking about her innings, Mandhana said: "Mumbai tracks are always good for batting and I was disappointed in missing out during the first game. I didn't want to lose out on the opportunity this time."
When asked if she had visualised a Super Over, the southpaw replied: "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."
A crowd of over 25,000 gathered to watch the first women’s T20I while around 47,000 fans witnessed the second match from the stadium.
After the thrilling win, Harmanpreet Kaur and company took a lap of honour to thank the supporters.
"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.
(With PTI inputs)
