India’s reluctant match-winner

Each time Smriti Mandhana takes guard, there is an unspoken awareness that India’s hopes are tethered to her bat. After India’s near-miss ina record chase against Australia in Delhi on Saturday, her mindset reflected that it is grounded in simplicity even when the task is monumental.

- Samreen Razzaqui

In doing so, Mandhana set a new benchmark for India, registering the fastest hundred by an Indian in 50 balls and the second fastest in women’s ODIs, with only Meg Lanning’s 45-ball blitz ahead of her.

“The only thing is not to think (about) anything, just react to the ball. We knew the wicket is good, the outfield is fast and we'll get value for our shots. You don’t have a choice when you're chasing 400, you have to play that brand of cricket.” she said.

India fell short by 43 runs in their chase of Australia’s mammoth 412, but in finishing at 369, they not only registered the highest-ever score in a women’s ODI run chase, but also signalled a bold shift in approach. It is likely to be a massive confidence booster as hosts India begin their World Cup campaign on September 30. Mandhana reiterated, it was less about pressure and more about belief: “Everyone in this team is a match-winner. I don’t feel anyone is adding pressure on me. We've put up 300-plus totals even when I've got out. That doesn’t say reliance in batting.”