Had to be little hard on myself – Smriti Mandhana on crafting a record-breaking 8th ODI century

Smriti Mandhana registered her 8th ODI century with a match-winning ton against New Zealand in Ahmedabad, in the process becoming the record-holder for most centuries in women's ODIs for India.

Mandhana blasted a 100 off just 122 balls, smashing 10 fours in the process which fuelled India's win over the White Ferns.

Talking at the post-match conference, Smriti Mandhana expressed her emotions and also highlighted the factors that defined her brilliant knock at Ahmedabad in the third ODI. She also explained how a few days can be different from the others and what exactly helps her to bring herself back in the game if things aren’t going her way.

Raving about the series, Mandhana said, “Really pleased to get the series win. As I said in the first game, it has been a tough 1 and a half months for this team. The first two games didn’t go my way so really happy I could get a score today.”

Shedding light on her approach in the final ODI, Smriti added, “It was more about controlling my shots, you don’t bat the same way everyday. You’re in the best frame some days and you’re not other days. Had to be little hard on myself early on and wait for the first 10 overs to go before taking the game on. For me what works is the harder way.”

She concluded by stating, “Need to do it for the team first. Getting out early means I’ve let the team down and that thought doesn’t let me sleep well. As a cricketer you are going to get highs and lows, you need to keep the routine the same.”