Navi Mumbai: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Thursday described qualifying for the Women’s World Cup semifinals as “a big relief,” as the team bounced back from three successive defeats after starting the tournament as one of the favourites.
India became the last team to qualify for the semifinals, joining Australia, South Africa, and England, following a 53-run win over New Zealand via the DLS method in a rain-affected game here.
“For sure, it’s a big relief in terms of qualifying. The last three games were really tough. We thought we played some good cricket but just couldn’t win, so this is really relieving,” Mandhana said at the post-match presentation.
The stylish left-handed batter smashed 109 — her fifth century of the calendar year, while opening partner Pratika Rawal notched her maiden World Cup hundred, scoring 122.
The duo shared a record 212-run partnership for the first wicket, leading India to 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest total in the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the 330 they made against Australia in Visakhapatnam earlier in the tournament.
The target was revised to 325 in 44 overs after another rain delay, but the Kiwis could only manage 271/8.
Mandhana, adjudged player of the match, said Pratika deserved the award as much as she did.
“Pratika deserved this as much as I do.”
On batting with Pratika and why it works so well, she said, “We’ve been asked this question for the last eight months, and I don’t think either of us can answer
