It was important that Harmanpreet Kaur got runs; bowlers took a while to get used to conditions: Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana said it was important from the team's perspective that Harmanpreet Kaur found form ahead of the Women's World Cup and the struggling bowling unit needs to build on the performance it produced in the fifth ODI against New Zealand here on Thursday. Harmanpreet scored her first half century in close to 12 months to help India chase down 251 rather comfortably. Mandhana, who missed the first three ODIs due to quarantine requirements, struck 71 and skipper Mithali Raj remained unbeaten on 57.

"It has been a tough month for us as a team and for the three of us who were in quarantine (Renuka and Meghna Singh being the other two). It is good to be back in the open air, play some cricket and contribute for India," said Mandhana in the post match press conference. Mandhana revealed that she joined the team later in New Zealand due to "personal problems" and that is why she completed the MIQ much later after the rest of the team. The bowling proved to be the weakest link in the series India lost 1-4 with the visitors unable to defend even 270. On Thursday, it was another impressive batting performance as India chased down the target in 46 overs.

"We needed a good base to chase 250 and that is what were looking for. Batting first, we are getting good scores around 250. Of course we are not getting the wins. It is something we are working on, defending totals. "We will get better. That is the talk in the camp and I am sure it will happen in the World Cup," said the southpaw. India open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on March 6. Talking about Harmanpreet's return to form, Mandhana said: "It was really important for the team. It was good to see her playing all those shots she was playing. "I was just happy