Tiruvananthapuram, 28 December: After India’s win in the fourth T20 match against Sri Lanka, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the opening partnership of Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma. The duo put on 162 runs for the first wicket, helping India secure a 30-run victory on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Smriti Mandhana, who scored 80 runs off 48 balls with 3 sixes and 11 fours, was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’. Alongside her, Shefali Verma contributed 79 runs from 46 balls, while Richa Ghosh added 40 runs, pushing India to a total of 221/2. This is India’s highest score in this format to date.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Harmanpreet said, “We had limited time and I wanted everything to be on schedule. I did not want three fielders outside in the last over. Having played for a long time, I always try to improve after every match. Smriti and Shefali deserve credit for the start they gave. Also, Richa and I finished the innings well. We had planned to give Harleen a chance, but considering how the match unfolded, we decided Richa would finish the innings, so we did not give her a batting opportunity.”
Opening batter Smriti Mandhana, who has crossed 10,000 international runs, admitted that returning to T20 cricket after playing many One Day Internationals was challenging.
Mandhana said, “After playing a lot of ODIs, switching back to T20 mode was difficult. Coming back to T20 after six months of ODIs was mentally a bit tough. The plans remained the same. I had some game plans against them and I tried to implement them quickly.”
On Shefali’s innings and team chemistry, Mandhana added, “It is always comforting to see Shefali batting at the other end. We support each other well. I am happy with the maturity she has shown in her batting. Over the past year, there has been a different kind of bonding in the team. We celebrate each other’s success.”
– Udaipur Kiran
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
