India opener Smriti Mandhana admitted that she had some nervous moments when her rating was within the 90s and had prayed to some Gods for the fielder to drop her catch.
Just like in her century in opposition to the West Indies within the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, Smriti needed to encounter some nervy moments earlier than crossing the three-figure mark, together with a dropped catch at 94, adopted by a bouncer and lbw enchantment.
Eventually, she made 123 to be one of many important architects in India’s 155-run win at Seddon Park over West Indies on Saturday.
“I had somewhat little bit of the nervous nineties right this moment and I used to be somewhat nervous about that ball going up within the air and I prayed to 2, three gods saying please let the participant drop it. And she (Aaliyah Alleyne) put it down so I ought to thank her often because in any other case I might have gotten out on 96,” said Smriti in the post-match virtual press conference.
Smriti further explained how the innings of 123 off 119 balls was different from her usual big knocks.
“It wasn’t like a typical one which I just go into flow and I started playing my shots. So really pleased that I could put some brakes on my scoring rate and play according to the situation and then contribute and mainly I think contribute to India, for India’s win. That’s something which I really look forward to every day when I come out to bat. So I’m happy that I could do that today.”
“It’s been a good distance. I’ve been getting out on the 70s and 80s quite a bit. So one thing which was consciously I used to be considering that if I really feel like taking part in the shot, I don’t should cease myself. I’ll simply flow and I’ll simply play based on the ball. That’s how I began my innings. So that’s one thing which I used to be actually engaged on. Hopefully, I will likely be this sort at all times on me and I’ll convert the 60s and 70s into a giant rating as a result of I believe if we try this — India’s will likely be in an ideal place.”
Smriti then heaped praise on Harmanpreet Kaur for scoring 109 off 107 balls and even got her to share the Player of the Match award in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“I think she’s a very crucial part of our batting order, especially in the middle order. I’m really happy that she’s come back to form and I think from the practice game, she’s been batting well, so we’re really confident that she’ll be able to score runs in this tournament and I’m happy that she’s got back-to-back 50’s.”
“Most importantly, I believe right this moment’s century will give her quite a lot of confidence and I believe the entire workforce as nicely as a result of we weren’t in an ideal place I believe to begin with and from there for her to come back in and bat and get us out of that scenario. I believe it was an unbelievable innings.”
Smriti signed off by explaining the comfort level in her partnerships with Harmanpreet, who became the first player from India to score three centuries in Women’s Cricket World Cups.
“It’s always fun to bat with Harry (Harmanpreet). We have batted a lot in T20s, I think in last six or seven years I’ve been part of, I’ve had a lot of partnerships with her and we always complement each other really well.”
“So, it’s actually enjoyable to bat along with her and I believe we share a extremely good bond on and off the sphere and I believe all of us have a extremely good bond as a batting unit, so all of us share a great bond once we bat, it simply will depend on the scenario — like as soon as we get set — I believe just like the jokes hold going after as soon as we’re set — in order that’s what occurred right this moment additionally that once we received to set, we began joking round a bit extra. And we began smiling a bit extra.”
Get all the newest updates on Cricket News, Cricket Photos, Cricket Videos, IPL Auction 2022 and Cricket Scores right here