Following a resounding nine-wicket triumph over Australia in the T20I series opener at DY Patil Stadium, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her satisfaction, highlighting India's excellence across all three facets of the game.
The standout performance came from fast-bowler Titas Sadhu, who claimed four wickets to restrict Australia to 141, despite Phoebe Litchfield's notable 49. In response, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma showcased their prowess with fifties, forging a formidable 137-run partnership for the first wicket.
Although Smriti departed after contributing 52 runs, Shafali remained unbeaten at 64, steering India to a crucial victory after a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series at Wankhede Stadium. Harmanpreet lauded her team's all-around performance, emphasizing their dedication to fielding. She credited the fielding coach's strategic placement of players, leading to a more effective defensive display.
Speaking of Titas Sadhu's last-minute inclusion, Harmanpreet acknowledged the astuteness of head coach Amol Muzumdar in opting for an additional seamer. The captain expressed confidence in replicating the bowling unit's success in future matches.
Smriti Mandhana attributed the T20I series opening win to candid team discussions held after the disappointing ODI series. She commended the bowling unit for bouncing back after conceding over 300 runs in the last match. Mandhana particularly praised Titas Sadhu for her stellar performance, highlighting her clarity of vision and expressing hope for her continued success.
Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, acknowledged her team's subpar performance and emphasized the need for swift adjustments and improved tactics to rebound in the upcoming second T20I on Sunday. Healy pointed out the challenge posed by India's impeccable lengths early in the game and highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions for a better showing in the next match.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Australia Claims Top Spot as World's No. 1 Test Cricket Team, Surpassing India
