Sneh Rana is gritty. The off-spinning all-rounder could not have hit headlines after India surprised Australia by 102 runs within the second ODI at New Chandigarh, however she performed her half. She often does.
The 31-year-old’s 18-ball 24, after coming in at No. 9, ensured India posted its highest-ever ODI whole (292) in opposition to Australia. And then, with the ball, she eliminated Beth Mooney, one of the mainstays of the Australian batting.
Ahead of the deciding ODI on the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sneh mentioned the win was a massive increase to the group’s confidence: “I think it was crucial for us to win that second ODI,” she mentioned. “It brought a lot of confidence to all of us. Heading into the World Cup, it definitely will give us that confidence.”
Sneh mentioned as an all-rounder she had to stay up to the expectations of the group and herself. “I am working a lot on my batting, especially on big shots,” she mentioned. “There could be situations when you need to hit the ball out of the park and I am working on that.”
Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, who is aware of a factor or two concerning the massive hits, admitted her group was outplayed by India. “More than a wake-up call, but it showed the powerhouse that India are and the strengths they possess” she mentioned.
“We didn’t play our best cricket. We got outplayed in all facets of the game, but there are plenty of lessons to take into the next game.”
She praised the younger Indian pacer Kranti Goud, who had impressed within the second ODI. “I have faced her a couple of times in the WPL,” Gardner mentioned. “It is fantastic to see India’s depth.”
