Everyone in the team stood up – Harmanpreet Kaur praises India's approach against New Zealand

India finally got back to winning ways after falling short agonizingly in their last three encounters in the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup as the batters stood tall to put on a record score against New Zealand, before the bowlers held their nerve to help the hosts pocket an important 53-run win in Navi Mumbai.

A power show from Smriti Mandhana (109) and Pratika Rawal (122) laid the foundation for a grandstand finish, with Jemimah Rodrigues' superb 55-ball 76 fuelling India to 340/3 in 49 overs. The Indian bowlers restricted New Zealand to 271/8 in 44 overs in a rain-curtailed game as India's win also guaranteed the co-hosts a spot in the semifinals.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur opened up on the win, crediting her teammates for a superb fight. She heaped special praise on Mandhana, Pratika and Jemimah for their significant contribution with the bat while pledging to close things on a high.

Explaining the dynamics of the game, Kaur said, “It wasn't easy. But credit to our team, the way we fought today. Because we knew how important this match was and the way we were charged up, really happy with the way we played. We were getting starts but unfortunately we were not able to make it big.”

Highlighting the importance of the Rawal-Mandhana-Jemi trio, Kaur said, “Credit goes to Smriti and Pratika. They took the responsibility and played crucial knocks for the team. We got a very good start when they both scored 200 runs. That time we decided it's me or Jemi because she's someone who likes to run from the start and I think the way she batted, that was something the entire world was expecting from her. And I'm really happy with the way she played.”

Underlining the mindset ahead and during the game, Kaur added, “Whenever you're playing at home, everyone expects a lot from you. Be it on the TV, we always are discussing that this is our home and the crowd is always cheering for us. And this is the moment to enjoy. Other than just taking the pressure and that's what we spoke about in the last two days. I know a lot of things didn't go our way but today was the day. And I'm really happy with the way we executed ourselves. Everyone in the team stood up and the way we were lifting each other, that was something (after the three losses).”

She concluded by saying, “That really showed how positive we were. Even though last 3 games didn't go well, we knew that this is not something which we are expecting and we are going to change this, today was the right time. I'm really happy the way we all did it together. I think we have been doing really well while batting but bowling is something which I personally feel we have to put ourselves really strong and we have one more game where we can cross that thing also. And hopefully, as a bowling unit also, we will come together and try to show a better way.”