Smriti Mandhana climbed new heights within the subject in the course of the latest Girls’s World Cup conflict in opposition to New Zealand Girls, incomes her maiden Greatest Fielder medal for India. On Thursday on the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, not solely did she ship with the bat with a 109-run knock, however her fielding proved pivotal in slowing down the Kiwi chase.
Mandhana first took the catch of the dangerous-looking Amelia Kerr, who made 45 off 53 balls. Thereafter, she took the catches of Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair to assist. India gained the sport by 53 runs by way of DLS and safe their berth within the semi-finals of the continued multi-nation event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
After the match, fielding coach Munish Bali praised all of the gamers for his or her whole-hearted efforts within the subject, however gave the award to Mandhana. It was then that teammate Jemimah Rodrigues couldn’t resist a little bit of pleasant ribbing directed at Mandhana.
“That lady had been attempting to bribe Bali Sir for therefore lengthy, saying, ‘Give me a medal, give me a medal.’ However in the present day, she actually earned it with these three catches,” Jemimah mentioned, as the complete dressing room burst into laughter.
Mandhana, who additionally bagged the Participant of the Match award, was over the moon after receiving recognition for her excellent fielding show in opposition to the White Ferns.
“Because the time we began giving medals within the workforce, within the final two and a half years, that is the primary time I’ve acquired one),” Mandhana mentioned.
The sunshine-hearted change highlighted the camaraderie inside the squad, and Mandhana’s candid response to Jemimah’s jest spoke volumes in regards to the workforce’s aggressive but affectionate tradition.
After securing their berth within the semis, India will look to complete the league stage on a excessive after they face Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh on Sunday, October 26 in Navi Mumbai.
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