'One Of my toughest innings'- Smriti Mandhana on her knock against Ireland

image-ledsl348Smriti Mandhana in action [Source: Twitter]

Known for her consistency and brutal hitting, Smriti Mandhana achieved a T20I career-best score of 87 during India's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 clash against Ireland last evening. 

Mandhana's knock helped India set up a decent 156 runs target, which Ireland fell short by five runs (D/L method) after rain curtailed play after 8.2 overs in the second innings.

Madhana, rightly named player of the match, in the presentation said that this was one of her toughest knocks seeing how the conditions went from bad to worse. 

Here's what Mandhana said

"The finger is fine. One of the most toughest innings I would have played. Not the wicket but the pace they were bowling and with the wind, it got worse, We were telling each other (with opening partner Shafali Verma) to try and maintain our shape. I was batting bad and she was not timing it well."

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also praised Mandhana for her batting, saying her impetus at the top is crucial for India to set good targets. 

"Smriti got runs, which is very important for us. Whenever she gives us starts we get to good total."

After missing the opening match against West Indies due to an injury, the 26-year-old has slammed 149 runs in three games and is the tournament's leading run-getter. 

With three wins from four matches, India, who have qualified for the knockout stage, will most likely clash horns against Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday.