Mandhana, India’s stand-in captain in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, was full of praise for Raval after the match, citing her versatility as one of her biggest strengths.
“Yeah, really happy with the way she is batting,” Mandhana said about Raval. “I feel [she] She’s got a really cool head on her shoulders, she knows what she’s doing, I think she’s got both sides of the game, where she can accelerate and also play a defensive role, which is great as a batsman. I am very good.
“To see him emerge from the first ODI against the West Indies [last month] Really good so far, and good runner between the wickets too, turning one into two, which always helps in one-day cricket. I’m very happy for her and I hope she continues her form, because it’s a big year for us [India are due to host the ODI World Cup in August-September],
India’s batsmen enjoyed a hugely productive series against Ireland, chasing 239 in less than 35 overs in the first ODI and 370 in the second before Wednesday’s record-breaking events. Mandhana felt that the Rajkot pitch was one where the batsmen could play their shots with complete freedom and she certainly went on to score the fastest ODI century for India off 70 balls and score 135 off 80 balls.
“I would love to have this wicket [everywhere I go] As a batsman definitely, but as a captain I don’t know. It is a difficult wicket to bowl on. But it was very clear to me that I wanted to go out and try to play shots that are within my range, because it’s not every day that you get an opportunity to do that as an opening batsman, Because sometimes you have to go out and respect the conditions and play, but [on] These kind of wickets and outfields – if it is in your slot, you have to go for it.
“There was no clear plan. I just said, if it’s in my favor, I’m going for it. Some days it happens, some days it doesn’t. Today I’m happy it worked out.”
After posting a record score, India defended it with confidence, with spinners Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwar and Minnu Mani taking six wickets each to help bowl out Ireland for 131. The 304-run win was India’s biggest win in ODIs.
Ireland batted their full 50 overs in the first two ODIs, but Mandhana feels India’s bowlers were just as good in those two matches – it was just that there was a little more help for the spinners in the third ODI , with the same pitch being used during the series, and Ireland’s batsmen trying to play more shots in their strong chase.
“I think the wicket helped our spinners a lot today because it was the same wicket that was used in the first two ODIs, so there was a possibility of some spin,” Mandhana said. “I think there was nothing special in the first two ODIs and even today they came out and were trying to play some shots, and sometimes, when batsmen play shots, it is the best opportunity to get a chance to get them out. It’s a good time.” ,
“In the first two ODIs I thought they were just trying to get singles or doubles, which again… it’s a difficult wicket to bowl on and try to get them out. I wouldn’t say the bowlers Has not done this. [well] In the first or second ODI. I think he bowled brilliantly in the first and second ODIs as well, but today the wicket was a bit too much for him and as I said, it helps the batsmen to play shots.”
For whatever damage the spinners did, it was fast bowlers Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare who opened Ireland’s innings, taking two of the first three wickets.
“Yeah, I think both of them bowled really well, got us the first two wickets, which is always good to get with the new ball, it sets the foundation for the spinners to come,” Mandhana said. “Saima [Thakor]Sayali, Tittas, all three bowled really well in the three ODIs, and it is quite a difficult wicket and outfield to bowl on. [on]Really happy for them.”
Leave a Reply