Navi Mumbai: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy shone as Team India booked a spot in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semifinals, thanks to stellar centuries from openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.
Mandhana smashed a blazing 109 off 95 balls, while Rawal contributed 122 from 134 deliveries. Their massive 212-run partnership helped India post a commanding 340/3 in 49 overs. Despite New Zealand chasing a revised target of 325 due to rain, India’s clinical bowling restricted the White Ferns to 271/8, sealing a 53-run DLS victory.
Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team for their grit and determination. “It was not easy. Credit goes to the entire team for the way we fought today. We knew how important this game was; the entire team was charged up and happy with how we played,” she said.
She highlighted the contributions of her openers.
“We were getting starts, but unfortunately, were unable to make it big. Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika for the way they took responsibility. We got a very good start,” Kaur added.
A key tactical move under Harmanpreet Kaur captaincy was promoting Jemimah Rodrigues to No.3. The Mumbai batter responded with a sparkling 76 off 55 balls, further boosting India’s total. Harmanpreet said,
“When they both scored 200 runs on the board, that is when we decided to put Jemi in at 3. The way she batted is exactly what the entire world was expecting from her.”
The skipper also emphasized the importance of enjoying the game at home rather than feeling pressure. “Whenever you are playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. As a team, we discuss that this is our home and the crowd is always cheering for us. This is a moment to enjoy rather than just putting pressure,” she said.
Reflecting on the team’s comeback after three earlier defeats, Harmanpreet said, “Everyone in the team stood up. The way we lifted each other shows how positive we were. Today was the right time, and I’m really happy we could do it.”
Looking ahead, Harmanpreet Kaur stressed the need for improvement in bowling ahead of the semifinals.
“We have been doing really well while batting, but bowling is something that I personally feel we have to strengthen. Hopefully, we can come together and show a better way,” she added.
With Harmanpreet Kaur captaincy guiding India, the team looks confident, motivated, and ready to chase the Women’s World Cup title.
–IANS
