India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s all-around performance, particularly their transformed fielding, after a resounding 9-wicket victory over Australia in the first T20I in Mumbai. This decisive win marked a stark turnaround from their recent ODI struggles, leaving Australia captain Alyssa Healy searching for answers.
“We were up to the mark in three departments,” declared Kaur, highlighting the significant improvement in fielding compared to the preceding ODI series. “Credit goes to the fielding coach,” she emphasized, acknowledging the team’s dedication to rectifying their earlier weaknesses.
Titas Sadhu’s last-minute inclusion proved a masterstroke, as the fast bowler ripped through the Australian batting with a stunning four-wicket haul for just 17 runs. “It was a last-moment change,” Kaur revealed, crediting the coaching staff’s decisive call. Sadhu’s performance exemplified India’s adaptability and strategic prowess.
Senior batter Smriti Mandhana echoed Kaur’s sentiments, expressing relief after the ODI disappointment. “We were determined to bounce back,” she asserted, praising the team’s analysis and response to their previous setbacks. Mandhana’s own half-century (54 off 52 balls) solidified India’s dominance in the chase.
The bowling attack as a whole received glowing praise, with Mandhana singled out Sadhu’s impressive rise. “Our four-seam attack worked brilliantly,” she stated, acknowledging the collective effort. Sadhu, for her part, expressed her commitment to the team, promising a celebratory party in honor of her player-of-the-match award.
Healy, on the other hand, faced a stark reality check. Recognizing the shortcomings of her team’s performance, she admitted, “We didn’t play well.” Losing wickets early and throughout the innings proved detrimental, forcing Australia to acknowledge the need for significant adjustments.
Despite the disappointing start, Healy remained optimistic. “We have to adjust,” she insisted, highlighting the importance of adapting to conditions and learning from the loss. The series is far from over, and Australia still possesses the talent and experience to bounce back.
