'We all can sleep a little better' - Smriti Mandhana relieved after do-or-die win in Navi Mumbai

Smriti Mandhana was the star of the show with the bat in India Women's handsome win against the New Zealanders on Thursday, October 23 in the Match 24 of the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Mandhana smashed a brilliant 109 runs off just 95 balls, as the hosts clinched a 53-run win in a contest where New Zealand had to chase down 325 in 44 overs via DLS method.

Mandhana reckoned that the team entered the match against New Zealand Women after facing three consecutive defeats against South Africa, England, and Australia. As a result, the game on Thursday had become a must-win clash for the Indian side to secure the last spot in the race to the semi-finals. She feels that it was nice to feel the pressure before actually going into the business end of the global tournament.

“When we were on the flight from Indore to Mumbai after losing that sort of close match, it was a really difficult time. We thought we could win and then today making us play like a virtual quarterfinal. But yeah, I mean I wouldn't really complain because World Cups it's about peaking at the right time. And playing a knockout match before a knockout match wouldn't be a bad thing in terms of pressure or taking that pressure,” Smriti told BCCI in an interaction after the match.

Smriti, who is now just one century away from equalling the record for most hundreds in Women's ODIs, said that the records do not matter much to her, if they don't help the team win, so she was happy that her hundred came in a situation when the Women in Blue were in a dire need.

“The record would not mean anything if we don't win. So I mean really happy that I could contribute in a way where we won the match today.  The last two matches, getting out in the 80s was a little frustrating. So happy that I could get to the triple figure today,” the Mumbai-born added.

“DY Patil a home to women's cricket now”

The ace batter further expressed the feeling of homeliness while playing in Navi Mumbai. She says that the venue has become like a home to women's cricket and getting an all-important win at this ground would help the entire team have a good night's sleep for the next couple of days or so, since they were at the helm of massive criticism on social media and from cricketing pundits following the three losses on the trot.

“Firstly, the DY Patil Stadium has always been amazing. I feel it's like a home for women's cricket now. In the last two or three years, we've always had a good environment here. So, I'm really happy that today we got that win and the qualification (Q) in front of our name. I think at least the next two or three days we all can sleep a little better and then get ready for the semis,” she concluded.

Smriti and the Indian team will now play next against Bangladesh Women at the same venue on Sunday, October 26. This will also be the last league stage game of the marquee event, and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will be looking to bag a win before heading in to the knockout stages of the home World Cup.