Smriti, who was named Player of the Match, and Shafali struck brilliant knocks of 80 and 79 respectively before Richa Ghosh (40 not out) and Harmanpreet ensured a strong finish to take India to 221\/2, their highest ever score in the format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We were getting short on time, and I wanted everyone to be on time. I didn't want the last over with three fielders outside (on her angry expressions in the back end). I have been playing for ages, so I try to improve after each game. We should give credit to Smriti and Shafali for the start they gave.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAlso to Richa and me for finishing the innings. We thought we would give a chance for Harleen, but how the game went, we thought Richa would finish the game and didn't give her a chance to bat,\" said Harmanpreet in the post-match presentation ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smriti, who crossed 10,000 international runs during her knock, admitted the switch back to T20 cricket was a challenge after playing tons of ODIs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"After playing a lot of ODI cricket, it was hard to get into T20 mode. Playing six months of ODI and coming back to T20 was a bit hard mentally. The plans were similar; I had some game plans against them. I came early and tried to work on that,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also talked about Shafali\u2019s knock and the camaraderie in the team. \u201cTo watch Shafali bat from the other end is always a treat for the eyes. We complement each other well. Happy with the way she has matured with her batting. In the last one year, there's been a different team building that has happened. We are happy with each other's success, and when she (Kamalini) took the catch, we were all happy.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka made a spirited attempt in chasing down 222, and made 191\/6 in 20 overs, the highest score they have ever posted in women\u2019s T20Is. Captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged her side\u2019s batting improvement but rued the inexperience in the bowling attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"At least we improved in our batting areas. We still need to improve our power-hitting. They (India) batted really good according to their plans. Our bowlers didn't bowl well, but it is a young bowling attack and a lot of inexperience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka made a spirited attempt in chasing down 222, and made 191\/6 in 20 overs, the highest score they have ever posted in women\u2019s T20Is. Captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged her side\u2019s batting improvement but rued the inexperience in the bowling attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chamari also had special praise for left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who took 2-24. \u201cShe (Vaishanvi) has been bowling really good; she's improved a lot because she played under-19, and I saw how she played. She doesn't play WPL, but she bowled really good, and according to the plan, the most important thing is how she planned her spells. I saw how Harmanpreet managed her, really good for India.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n