Mandhana says, "I was quite nervous after 90 but my partner helped me keep me going and my partner Mona told me not to play a rash shot. This knock is special because we were chasing and my first hundred we lost the match (against Australia), and this comes in the World Cup. Everyone has a career goal but right now we're focusing on each match. My birthday is on 18th July so my jersey number is 18."
Taylor says, "I'm very disappointed. This was the second time our batting failed. When you look back you realise that is where you went wrong (not rotating strike in the middle overs when the spinners came); also, the bowling needs a bit of work."
Mithali Raj says, "I am very pleased with the way girls responded today. Though there were a few fielding lapses. But the spinners bowled well. A good hundred from Mandhana was much needed because we lost two early wickets. It was not the day for pacers, but the spinners did well to get us back in the game. We have a couple of games and we need to focus on fielding.
"We needed that partnership and advised her (Mandhana) to avoid rash shots."
Chasing a low target of 184, India were initially in trouble. Punam Raut was out in the very first over with the score reading null while Deepti Sharma, as well, had to depart soon. However, Mithali Raj joined Smriti Mandhana in the middle and the duo steadied the ship.
Mandhana was the more attacking of the duo, scoring at almost a-run-a-ball. Raj, on other hand, was calm and composed through her innings. The two complemented each other and forged a solid 108-run partnership. Eventually, Raj was dismissed for 46 but by then the match was safely in India’s pocket.
Mandhana, though, carried on and soon completed her century in just 105 balls. She finished unbeaten on 106 off just 108 balls, her highest individual score, hitting 13 fours and 2 sixes on her way.
Matthews looks like she has problems on her chest and she will receive treatment for that. Mandhana, as well, is on the floor getting some massage as drinks have been called on.
