Indian opener Smriti Mandhana played a pivotal role in India Women’s historic Test win against Australia, guiding her team to an 8-wicket victory at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After her unbeaten knock of 38* runs in the second innings, Mandhana shared insights into the game and the pitch conditions.
Smriti Mandhana’s post match interview
In the post-match interview, Mandhana dismissed the notion that batting on the Wankhede pitch during days three and four was tough. Contrary to expectations of a rank-turner, she emphasized that applying oneself, showing patience, and waiting for loose balls made batting relatively straightforward. Mandhana highlighted the team’s gameplan, emphasizing a simple approach of watching the ball and reacting to it.
First Innings Flourish
Smriti Mandhana, the Indian batting maestro, lauded the partnership between Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar as a key factor in India’s commanding first innings total of 406 runs. This mammoth score, bolstered by Sharma’s 78 runs and Vastrakar’s gritty 37, gave India a commanding 197-run lead over the Aussies.
Aussie Collapse
Australia, unable to match India’s batting prowess, were restricted to a mere 219 in their first innings. The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by the wily spin of Renuka Singh and the pace of Shikha Pandey, proved too much for the Australian batters.
Second Innings Breeze
Facing a modest target of 73 runs in the second innings, Australia faltered once again. The Indian bowlers maintained the pressure, and the chase was completed with ease, securing a remarkable victory for the home team.
Smriti Mandhana’s contributions
Love this team 💙 pic.twitter.com/jrrolgvRp3
— Smriti Mandhana (@mandhana_smriti) December 24, 2023
Showcasing a sizzling 74 in the initial innings and maintaining composure with an unbeaten 36 in the second, Mandhana’s batting excellence played a crucial role in India’s victorious campaign. Despite an unlucky departure curtailing her time at the crease, Shafali Verma’s splendid cover drive hinted at the promising potential that the young talent holds.
Milestone for India
The landmark victory stood as a significant milestone for India, as Harmanpreet Kaur secured her place in history as the first captain to guide the Indian women’s team to triumph at Wankhede Stadium in test cricket. Mandhana conveyed contentment with the team’s showing, dispelling any notion of batting challenges on the Wankhede pitch.
Player of the Match
Sneh Rana emerged as the standout performer, clinching the Player of the Match accolade through a sensational all-around display. The captivating tableau of India’s supremacy in both batting and bowling left an indelible mark, as they etched their names into the annals of history with a memorable triumph over the formidable Australians.