“She showed why we call Smriti Mandhana a class player” - Former India cricketer lauds opener’s knock in IND vs WI 2024 3rd T20I
Former India all-rounder Reema Malhotra has lauded Smriti Mandhana for proving her class in the third T20I between India and the West Indies. She noted that the stand-in skipper played responsibly in Harmanpreet Kaur's absence.
Mandhana smashed 77 runs off 47 deliveries as India posted 217/4, their highest score in women's T20Is, after being asked to bat first in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, December 19. The Women in Blue then restricted the visitors to 157/9 to register a comprehensive 60-run win and bag the series 2-1.
During a discussion on Sports18, Malhotra termed Mandhana's knock a 'masterclass'.
"It was a masterclass. It was a captain's knock. She knew she had a new opening partner at the other end and Harmanpreet Kaur wasn't in the lineup. The clarity of thoughts was seen when Smriti was batting today (Thursday). This happens only when you are in good form," she said.
"It's not only a game of form but also of class. She played exceptional shots. It seemed like she was extremely focused today and had come prepared. This happens when you know you are better than the opposing team. She showed why we call Smriti Mandhana a class player. I feel she missed a century," Malhotra added.
India were dealt an early blow when Uma Chetry was dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, her opening partner Mandhana added 98 runs for the second wicket with Jemimah Rodrigues (39 off 28) in just 9.1 overs to lay the foundation for a massive total.
"Her dedication and discipline are visible in her game" - Poonam Yadav on Smriti Mandhana
![Smriti Mandhana struck 13 fours and a six during her innings. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/c7c61-17346673508176-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Poonam Yadav praised Smriti Mandhana for her dedication and discipline.
"Her dedication and discipline are visible in her game. She gave three chances in the last match. She got lifelines but she didn't give even a single chance today to take her catch. She said she would hit them properly today," she said.
The India leg spinner added that the left-handed opener played to her strengths.
"It was evident from her face that she would make her team win when she got an opportunity today. She didn't play even one rash shot. All of her shots were clean. She played fewer shots to fine leg today. She was trying a little extra in the second match. She backed her strength today," Yadav observed.
Richa Ghosh (54 off 21) and Raghvi Bist (31* off 22) ensured India posted a 200-plus total once Mandhana was dismissed. Radha Yadav (4/29) then starred with the ball for the hosts, with Renuka Singh, Sajeevan Sajana, Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma picking up a wicket apiece.