INDW vs ENGW: Mandhana Lauds ‘Amazing Bowling Performance’ as India Secures 5-Wicket Triumph in 3rd T20I

In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India’s Smriti Mandhana showered praise on the team’s remarkable bowling display, leading them to a five-wicket victory in the third T20I against England. Shreyanka Patil and Saika Ishfaque’s stellar performances, each claiming three wickets, paved the way for restricting England to 126 runs in the first innings.

Mandhana, displaying her batting prowess, orchestrated a well-paced innings, contributing 48 runs off as many deliveries, including five boundaries and two sixes. Her crucial knock guided India to a consolation win, preventing a whitewash as England secured the series 2-1.

Speaking post-match, Mandhana expressed her happiness at contributing to the team’s triumph, emphasizing the significance of the win leading into the upcoming Test match. Despite losing the T20I series, India’s victory holds importance, considering the challenging back-to-back schedule. Mandhana admitted the initial struggle with her batting form but was pleased to find her rhythm towards the end.

“First two matches didn’t go the way we wanted. We knew that this win will be important going into the Test despite losing the series. Back to back games [were] a little tough on the body. Didn’t quite bat the way I wanted at the start but got going towards the end. Really happy to contribute to the win,” said Mandhana.

The Indian batter lauded the team’s bowling performance as “amazing,” acknowledging Amanjot Kaur’s crucial contribution with both bat and ball. Kaur, who scored 10 runs off four balls, played a vital role in chasing down the 127-run target and also picked up two wickets in the first innings.

“We bowled really well, they probably got 10-15 runs extra at the end but it was an amazing bowling performance. It was the same wicket as the last game, the target was not very difficult but we really had to apply ourselves. Lot easier to be out there than to watch but Amanjot played really well and got us over the line,” Mandhana added.

With the T20I series concluded, India and England now shift their focus to the Test match scheduled to take place on December 14 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.