Speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony after India’s 34-run win over New Zealand in their tournament opener of the ICC World T20 tournament, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded coach Ramesh Powar for changing the mindset of the team.
Harman said, “From the time he arrived, our mindset changed and that’s a plus point. He has a lot of experience and that is helping us. We are really happy to have him in the team.”
Kaur was the star performer in the team’s victory and was declared the player of the match for her knock of 103 off just 51 balls in the first innings to take India to a total of 194/5. In the process, she became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in the T20 format. She was able supported by 18-year-old, who scored an equally efficient 45-ball 59 with the duo carving what turned out to be a match-winning 134-run stand for the fourth wicket. Kaur also showered praises for her junior partner.
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The Indian skipper said, “Jemimah played really well. When you are hitting well, you need someone who can rotate the strike. Credit goes to her, she is very mature. She likes to express herself and never takes any pressure. We need young players who are excited to play international cricket.”
What was even more mind-boggling about Kaur’s knock was that she scored all those runs battling severe stomach cramps for which she had to be attended to by the physio on multiple occasions. But, that did not stop her from smoking 7 fours and 8 sixes, in fact, it gave her clarity to go for the big hits even more.
Describing the same, Kaur said, “Yesterday I was having little bit back problem. In the morning, I was not feeling well, when I came to the ground I was feeling a little low and getting some cramps. When initially I was running twos, I got a little cramp, after that the physio gave me medicine, and a little bit it settled down. Then I thought instead of running too much if I could I get more big shots … because you run too much, you get more cramps. Then I told Jemi (Jemimah Rodrigues), ‘if you give the strike to me, I can go for more big shots’.”
Despite the big win, Kaur said that her side was not getting complacent insisting there were lot of areas to still work on. India will now take on Pakistan in their second match of the tournament on Sunday, November 11 while New Zealand play Australia on Tuesday, November 13.
