'We have been talking about long partnerships' - Harmanpreet Kaur lauds openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma

Team India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma for their excellent partnership during the second ODI match against Sri Lanka on July 4 (Monday). The Women in Blue thrashed the home team by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Both Shafali and Smriti slammed unbeaten half-centuries as the visitors chased down 174 runs in just 25.4 overs and eventually clinch the three-match series. While Mandhana stroked an excellent 94 off just 83 balls, Shafali Verma scored 71 runs in 71 balls. The left-handed batter smacked 11 fours and a six while her partner stroked four fours and a maximum. Opening the batting, both Smriti and Verma stitched their maiden 100-run partnership.

They were simply outstanding: Harmanpreet on Mandhana-Shafali partnership

India new skipper Harmanpreet Kaur looked very pleased with the opening duo as she termed their partnership as ‘outstanding’. “We have been talking about long partnerships and thankfully we got it today. I’m happy with the way we batted, it was outstanding to watch,” Harmanpreet stated after the match.

Earlier in the match, pacer Renuka Singh was brilliant with the ball as she scalped a total of four wickets in her ten-over quota and gave just 28 runs.

She was also adjudged the Player of the Match for her excellent bowling effort. Speaking at the post-match presentation, she said, “I have been working on my strength, practising my hard lengths and variations. We read the wicket well, that’s why we bowled first. The weather was to our advantage as well. Our management asked us to keep things very simple and stick to our strengths. ”

After winning the second ODI match and sealing the series, the Women in Blue will take on Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI match to be played at Pallekele on July 7 (Thursday). Team India will be looking to continue its dominance and win the third ODI as well. On the other hand, the Lankan Lions have nothing but pride to play for.