Navi Mumbai, Oct. 24 -- "First three games didn't go my way. You have to stay patient in a World Cup, practise hard, don't complicate things. That's my mantra." Smriti Mandhana's words rang like a battle cry as India Women thrashed New Zealand to storm into the World Cup semifinals in commanding fashion.
The Player of the Match, who anchored a brilliant innings, spoke of the relief that followed weeks of pressure-cooker cricket.
"The last three games were brutal. We played well, but the wins eluded us. Today, finally, relief," she said, even as she deflected the limelight to teammate Pratika Rawal. "Pratika deserves this as much as I do. I am little surprised myself."Mandhana thrived against pace, taking control when the innings threatene...