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"Smriti Mandhana Is A Classy Player": Beth Mooney Praises IND-W Star After Win

Soumyajit Dutta

Beth Mooney and Smriti Mandhana [Source: @ysjagan/X.com]Beth Mooney and Smriti Mandhana [Source: @ysjagan/X.com]

Beth Mooney, the standout performer for Australia Women, was quick to applaud India’s Smriti Mandhana after their thrilling 3rd ODI clash. Mooney, who scored a record-breaking 138 off 75 balls, equalling the third fastest century in Women’s ODIs, called Mandhana’s blistering 125 off 63 balls “unfortunate” and said it showcased why she is one of the world’s best batters.

Beth Mooney Showers Praise On Smriti Mandhana

Speaking to ICC, Beth Mooney was candid while showering her praise for the star Indian batter, Smriti Mandhana. Mooney didn't mince words while praising the RCB Women's skipper.

“Throughout this series, Smriti has come out pretty hard. She’s a classy player, she has been an amazing player for India across the last couple of years in particular so, from my point of view it was just about remaining composed as well as the rest of the group. Unfortunately, early on they didn’t quite stick but once we got there in the end, got some wickets and built some pressure that way, it sort of killed the game in the end,” Mooney said.

Speaking of the win, Mooney said that the team’s adaptability and composure will be the key to their success in the World Cup, qualities they displayed brilliantly against India on September 20.

"To win World Cups, you need to be the most adaptable team and the most composed team. We showed that a lot tonight, when Smriti was obviously coming quite hard, and building some partnerships with Harman, and then Deepti coming in at the end," Mooney added.

Australia Women won the toss and elected to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, and Mooney built a massive partnership, helping Australia reach an imposing 412 in 47.5 overs. Arundhati Reddy was India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets, but her efforts were not enough to stem Australia’s onslaught.

Mooney Misses Sutherland, Litchfield

Chasing the mammoth total, India fought back with notable resistance. However, Australia’s bowlers, led by Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, and Ashleigh Gardner, rose to the occasion, ultimately restricting India to 369 and sealing a 43-run win. Mooney praised the bowling effort, particularly highlighting the absence of Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield, who couldn't make it to the Playing XI.

"It’s been nice to see the girls come up with different ideas on the field, and the fielders back it up. Obviously, Belsy (Annabel Sutherland) and Phoebe (Litchfield) have been on the sidelines. So, when they get their opportunity in the side, once they are fit and firing. I think we can really put a marker out there for this World Cup," Mooney added.

Despite Mandhana’s heroics, Mooney remained upbeat about Australia’s performance and expressed confidence as they gear up for the Women’s World Cup. The team will next travel to Bengaluru to prepare for a warm-up fixture against England on September 28.