Smriti Mandhana (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Smriti Mandhana expressed her delight after India’s 17-run win over Australia in the T20I series decider, calling the victory “really special”. She also emphasized that the team “will not celebrate too much” and will quickly focus on the upcoming ODI series that begins on Tuesday.India clinched the final match in Adelaide to take a 4-2 lead in the multi-format series. A match-winning partnership of 121 runs between Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues helped India post a strong 176/6. Mandhana scored 82 off 55 balls and was named man of the match, while Rodrigues added 59.
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Mandhana said after the match, “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 happy to have contributed.” Crediting Rodrigues for changing the momentum early in their partnership, she said: “When she came on, I think I was 16-ball 15 and I was still timing and she came on, got three or four boundaries, started the momentum and I could take a moment.” 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 beat them in 2016 when we came here, but I think it’s been a very long time since we played T20 in Australia, so it’s really nice to beat them.”The Indian bowlers then put in a strong performance, picking the first 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 on February 24 as they look to continue their strong run in Australia after their historic World Cup victory last year.
