"After Two Tough Months, It Feels...": India Stand-In Captain Smriti Mandhana Pours Heart Out After Win In 1st ODI

24.10.2024 - 20:23 sports.ndtv.com

Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana hailed India's bowling and fielding efforts as they bounced back from a "tough" phase to secure a win against New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign earlier this month had ended in a disaster as they failed to reach the semifinals following a 58-run defeat to Sophie Devine's New Zealand, who went on to win the tournament.

However, this time, Devine's side fell short of chasing a modest 228, losing to India by 59 runs in the ODI series opener. "It's been a tough 1.5 to 2 months, so it feels good to start with a win.

If you don't believe in cricket, you won't succeed," said Mandhana, who captained in place of Harmanpreet Kaur, during the post-match presentation.

cricket India Women Harmanpreet Kaur Sophie Devine Smriti Mandhana New Zealand India

The Indian women's cricket team defeated recently-crowned Women's T20 World Cup champions New Zealand by 59 runs. One of the standout highlights during India's bowling effort was a clever run-out inflicted after some brilliant presence of mind by India spinner Deepti Sharma. As New Zealand captain Sophie Devine stepped out to block a delivery by Deepti, the bowler noticed a chance. With Devine still out of her crease and not attentive of the situation, Deepti threw the ball back to wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia who dislodged the bails before Devine could return to her crease.

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