India have started their Women’s T20 World Cup with a winning note and maintained their fantastic form intact. Recently they won against Bangladesh. But their experienced opener Smriti Mandhana didn’t play due to illness. However, India T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur said that she is likely to be available for their third match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, against heavyweight New Zealand on Thursday.

After India’s 18-run win over Bangladesh, Harmanpreet said Smriti Mandhana, who missed the game due to viral, was feeling better.

“Smriti is feeling better and will hopefully available for the next match,” she said at the presentation ceremony. “There’s still two-three days left and she should get better.”

The captain also praised youngsters Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues for their flamboyant knocks. Shafali was awarded the Player of the Match for her 17-ball 39 while Jemimah played a stable 34 off 37.

Read here: Anushka Shetty to not getting married to an Indian cricketer

“The way Shefali and Jemimah played, it showed their capability and it’s a good sign for us,” said Harmanpreet Kaur. “Veda (Krishnamurthy, who hit an unbeaten 20 off 11) did a great job for us, we needed a few boundaries at that time. We are looking each game at a time and looking forward to doing well in the future.”

Youngster Shafali Verma, however, hoped to extend her good form in future as well.

“I had it in my mind that since Smriti was not around, I wanted to bat long. I have been practising being aggressive and want to continue doing that. I want to win matches for India and win the World Cup,” said Shafali Verma.

Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun thought their bowling was not good in the Power Play, where they conceded 54 runs.

“We didn’t bowl well in the Power Play, and we didn’t field well. That’s why we didn’t play well. We have to improve in the Power Play,” added Khatun.