India’s dominant win in T20 opener against Australia a result of comprehensive performance: Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur praises India’s all-round performance after a convincing win against Australia in the T20I opener, while Alyssa Healy emphasizes the need for quick tactical adjustments ahead of the second match.
After a resounding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the T20I series opener at DY Patil Stadium, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s exceptional performance across all aspects of the game.
Fast-bowler Titas Sadhu’s impressive four-wicket haul restricted Australia to 141, despite Phoebe Litchfield’s top-scoring 49. In response, openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s solid half-centuries led to a remarkable 137-run partnership for the first wicket.
Although Smriti departed for 52, Shafali’s unbeaten 64 ensured India clinched a crucial win after a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series at Wankhede Stadium. Harmanpreet commended the team’s overall performance, emphasizing their dedication to improving fielding, which contributed significantly to the victory.
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Acknowledging the fielding coach’s strategic input, Harmanpreet highlighted specific positioning changes that positively impacted India’s defensive prowess. She praised the bowlers for executing plans effectively, resulting in crucial breakthroughs, notably Amanjot’s dismissal of Phoebe Litchfield.
Speaking highly of Titas’ last-minute inclusion at the recommendation of head coach Amol Muzumdar, Harmanpreet credited the decision and acknowledged Australia’s strength as an opponent. She expressed the team’s desire to replicate their bowling excellence in the upcoming matches.
Smriti Mandhana attributed India’s triumph to candid discussions held post the ODI series loss. Reflecting on the team’s disappointment, she emphasized the critical analysis conducted over the past two days and credited the seam bowling strategy that proved effective.
Praising Titas Sadhu’s performance post-Asian Games, Mandhana highlighted the bowler’s clarity of approach and hoped for her continued success, drawing parallels with legendary Bengal-born bowler Jhulan Goswami.
On the other side, Australia skipper Alyssa Healy admitted the team’s subpar performance and emphasized the need for quick adjustments and tactical improvements ahead of the second T20I. She highlighted the importance of partnerships and the necessity to adapt to India’s bowling lengths.
Healy emphasized the team’s adaptability to overcome challenging conditions and strategic adjustments, acknowledging India’s early dominance with their precise bowling lengths.
-IANS