<p>Bengaluru: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/smriti-mandhana">Smriti Mandhana</a> was relieved to score her first ODI hundred at home after squandering several chances in the past, and the Indian vice-captain hoped to continue in the same vein for the rest of the series against South Africa.</p>.<p>Mandhana’s 117 played a massive role in powering India to a lop-sided 143-run win over South Africa in the first women’s ODI here on Sunday.</p>.<p>“I was really mad with myself in the last 4-5 years. Whenever I played at home in ODIs, I ended up scoring 70-80 (runs) and throwing away my wicket."</p>.Ton-up Smriti Mandhana powers India to 265/8 win against SA in women's ODI match.<p>“Today, it wasn’t an easy wicket. So, pleased to know that it (hundred at home) has happened. I hope that it keeps coming and it stays,” said Mandhana in the post-match press meet.</p>.<p>However, Mandhana gave credit to Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar, her partners for the sixth and seventh wicket respectively, for giving her splendid support.</p>.<p>“I think the partnerships with Deepti and Pooja were really important. We know what Deepti can do with the bat. We had Pooja to come. She can strike a ball too. So, I wasn't really worried about what would happen.</p>.<p>“We just spoke about spending some time (at the crease). They (SA) had spread the field. So, we were getting 4-5-6 runs (an over) without taking a risk. So, the whole conversation with Deepti was that let's just build a good partnership in the next 7-8 overs,” said Mandhana.</p>.<p>Mandhana and Deepti added 81 runs as India recovered from an uncomfortable 99 for five.</p>.T20 World Cup 2024 | India's batting coach explains why Shubhman Gill won't be travelling to Caribbean leg of tournament.<p>After Deepti’s dismissal, Mandhana and Pooja helped themselves to a fifty stand as India reached an over-par total.</p>.<p>“When Pooja came in, she started off really good with the boundary. She took the load off me when she made that first boundary.</p>.<p>“So, I don't think that in one-day cricket, you can just be like, okay, this is how I am going to play today. It's (game plan) just going to keep changing,” she added.</p>.<p>Pooja had to walk off the field with what seemed to be a knee niggle during the 18th over of South Africa’s innings.</p>.<p>Mandhana allayed any injury concerns about the pace bowler, who was recuperating from an unspecified injury prior to this series.</p>.<p>"I just passed over my cramps to her. I was struggling a bit with cramps. Nothing serious (for Pooja). I think she will be fine,” she added. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/smriti-mandhana">Smriti Mandhana</a> was relieved to score her first ODI hundred at home after squandering several chances in the past, and the Indian vice-captain hoped to continue in the same vein for the rest of the series against South Africa.</p>.<p>Mandhana’s 117 played a massive role in powering India to a lop-sided 143-run win over South Africa in the first women’s ODI here on Sunday.</p>.<p>“I was really mad with myself in the last 4-5 years. Whenever I played at home in ODIs, I ended up scoring 70-80 (runs) and throwing away my wicket."</p>.Ton-up Smriti Mandhana powers India to 265/8 win against SA in women's ODI match.<p>“Today, it wasn’t an easy wicket. So, pleased to know that it (hundred at home) has happened. I hope that it keeps coming and it stays,” said Mandhana in the post-match press meet.</p>.<p>However, Mandhana gave credit to Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar, her partners for the sixth and seventh wicket respectively, for giving her splendid support.</p>.<p>“I think the partnerships with Deepti and Pooja were really important. We know what Deepti can do with the bat. We had Pooja to come. She can strike a ball too. So, I wasn't really worried about what would happen.</p>.<p>“We just spoke about spending some time (at the crease). They (SA) had spread the field. So, we were getting 4-5-6 runs (an over) without taking a risk. So, the whole conversation with Deepti was that let's just build a good partnership in the next 7-8 overs,” said Mandhana.</p>.<p>Mandhana and Deepti added 81 runs as India recovered from an uncomfortable 99 for five.</p>.T20 World Cup 2024 | India's batting coach explains why Shubhman Gill won't be travelling to Caribbean leg of tournament.<p>After Deepti’s dismissal, Mandhana and Pooja helped themselves to a fifty stand as India reached an over-par total.</p>.<p>“When Pooja came in, she started off really good with the boundary. She took the load off me when she made that first boundary.</p>.<p>“So, I don't think that in one-day cricket, you can just be like, okay, this is how I am going to play today. It's (game plan) just going to keep changing,” she added.</p>.<p>Pooja had to walk off the field with what seemed to be a knee niggle during the 18th over of South Africa’s innings.</p>.<p>Mandhana allayed any injury concerns about the pace bowler, who was recuperating from an unspecified injury prior to this series.</p>.<p>"I just passed over my cramps to her. I was struggling a bit with cramps. Nothing serious (for Pooja). I think she will be fine,” she added. </p>