We wanted to win the series at any cost, delighted with result: Harmanpreet

It was not quite ‘revenge’, but across the three ODIs in Ahmedabad, the Indian Women’s side managed to overturn the disappointment they endured at the 2024 T20 World Cup by triumphing over New Zealand Women, who spoiled the Women in Blue’s party at the UAE earlier this month.

After starting the three-match series with a resounding 59-run win, India got outplayed in the second game, but the hosts produced a clinical, all-round showing in the decider on October 29 (Tuesday) to seal the series.

Proud of the team’s efforts was skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who asserted that the team wanted to ‘win the series at all costs’. She further added that she was pleased that the team’s detailed preparation paid off.

“It was important for us as we wanted to win this series at any cost,” Harmanpreet said after the game.

“As I said in the morning, we discussed a lot of things and really happy we could execute today. Whenever we play, we always want to give our 100% but sometimes things don’t go your way. 

“As a professional cricketer you have to keep pushing yourself and keep going. We discussed these things in the team meeting, so really happy we could come back after that loss in the last game.”

The victory was made possible by a sublime second-innings hundred from Smriti Mandhana who, with the ton, scripted history. She surpassed Mithali Raj’s tally of seven to go atop the hundred-makers list for India in WODIs. Harmanpreet credited Mandhana for her stellar efforts.

“Would like to give credit to Smriti, she was struggling early on but she managed to get runs,” Harmanpreet said.

Mandhana, Player of the Match, said that it was good to bounce back after a ‘tough one and a half months’ for the side.

“Really pleased to get the series win. As I said in the first game, it has been a tough 1 and a half months for this team. The first two games didn’t go my way so really happy I could get a score today,” she said.

The 28-year-old was not at her fluent best on the day, and she said that she was pleased that she was able to grind it out and take the team to victory.

“It was more about controlling my shots, you don’t bat the same way everyday. You’re in the best frame some days and you’re not other days. Had to be little hard on myself early on and wait for the first 10 overs to go before taking the game on. For me what works is the harder way. Need to do it for the team first.”

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