Smriti scored a match-winning 117, including bringing up her century in just 77 deliveries, the second-fastest ton by an Indian woman in ODIs as India posted 292 in 49.5 overs, before their six-bowler strategy paid off as Australia were bowled out for 190 in 40.5 overs. It also meant Australia suffered their heaviest defeat in terms of runs in women\u2019s ODIs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI mean, that's been two things which, that's I think a favourite word of Amol sir. He always writes that on the board. Especially for the girls, I mean, sometimes in one-day cricket, things can go up and down. Important words, especially if you consider one-day cricket and, I mean, the way the bowlers bowled, it was pretty evident that words were well-taken and noted,\u201d said Smriti in a BCCI video posted on their social media accounts on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s bowlers shared all ten wickets amongst themselves, as they got their first home ODI victory over the reigning world champions since 2007. \u201cI mean, for this young team, against this particular position, I feel it's just a start. Hopefully, we keep doing the good habits and repeating these things,\u201d added Smriti.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Seamer Kranti Goud, who picked three wickets, spoke about the team\u2019s morale. \u201cWe were in a different environment. Everyone was talking, everyone was happy. I mean, the smile didn\u2019t go away from anyone\u2019s faces. So, there was this strong thing that, yes, whatever is happening, we shouldn't let go of the smile,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s bowlers shared all ten wickets amongst themselves, as they got their first home ODI victory over the reigning world champions since 2007. \u201cI mean, for this young team, against this particular position, I feel it's just a start. Hopefully, we keep doing the good habits and repeating these things,\u201d added Smriti.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the three-match series scoreline at 1\u20131, India will head into the series decider, to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, with renewed confidence and optimism after delivering one of their most emphatic ODI performances in recent memory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n