Adelaide, Feb 21 (NationPress) Smriti Mandhana expressed her joy following India's 17-run triumph over Australia in the series finale on Saturday, emphasizing that overcoming the Aussies in their own backyard is ‘truly special.’ However, she added that the squad will ‘not celebrate excessively’ and will instead concentrate on the forthcoming ODI segment of the tour, commencing on Tuesday.

India secured a notable 17-run win in the third and final T20I at the Adelaide Oval, enhancing their standing to 4-2 in the multi-format series. A remarkable 121-run alliance between Smriti Mandhana (82) and Jemimah Rodrigues (59) propelled India to a strong total of 176/6, with Mandhana’s explosive innings earning her the Player of the Match accolade.

In the post-match presentation, Mandhana reflected on her personal performance and the team’s success, stating, “It was satisfying to play a part in the series victory. Defeating Australia on their home ground is something very special. I’m thrilled for the team and grateful I could contribute.”

Mandhana, in exceptional form throughout the series, played a crucial role in establishing India’s total. Her 82 runs came off 55 balls and showcased exquisite stroke-play. However, it was her partnership with Rodrigues that significantly shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

She praised Jemimah Rodrigues for her contribution during their partnership, saying, “When she stepped in, I was 16-ball 15 and still finding my rhythm. She came in, struck a few boundaries, built momentum, and allowed me to settle down. Those little moments often go unnoticed, but her quick boundaries calmed me greatly. So, credit goes to her for playing that kind of innings.”

The dynamic partnership allowed India to accelerate during the middle overs, with Mandhana reaching her fifty with a six in the 12th over. Though she was dismissed in the 17th over, the groundwork was firmly laid for India to conclude strongly, aided by Richa Ghosh’s brisk innings.

Defending a competitive total, India made early breakthroughs with the ball, capturing key Australian wickets in quick succession. Despite a determined 57 from Ashleigh Gardner, Australia struggled to recover from the early setbacks.

Mandhana also pointed out the importance of India’s initial breakthroughs in setting the match's tone, stating, “We did manage to defeat them in 2016 when we were here, but it has been quite some time since we played T20 in Australia, so winning here is really satisfying.”

In the closing stages, India's bowlers kept the pressure on, and a spectacular diving catch from Rodrigues dismissed Gardner. The visitors ultimately restricted the hosts to 159/9, achieving a well-deserved victory.

Mandhana, however, remained focused on the next challenge, concluding, “We will transition to the ODI series and won’t celebrate excessively.”

With a collective team effort, the Women in Blue are gearing up for the upcoming ODI series, which starts at The Gabba on February 24. This will mark their first 50-over series since clinching their inaugural Women’s World Cup trophy in November last year.