The message was very clear: keep backing yourself – Harmanpreet Kaur

India registered a fine win against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series as a brilliant batting display from Smriti Mandhana led the charge. Then a collective bowling display did get the job done for the Women in Blue.

Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur was delighted with the performance of her team members as she heaped unreserved praises on them while she also underscored the composition of the team for being the key difference maker.

Talking at the post-match conference, Harmanpreet Kaur said, “Smriti and Deepti because of them I'm saying it's a good start. Pooja also made a good contribution. The message was very clear: keep backing yourself, we have a long batting lineup, we have six batters who can bat 50 overs.”

She further added, “Not everyone can bat well on a given day, today Smriti, Deepti and Pooja contributed. They [allrounders] really love this format, you have enough time to execute and love the way they are performing and we are happy.”

Harmanpreet Kaur concluded by saying, “We already discussed that we are going with five bowlers, myself, Hemalatha and Shafali will bowl one or two overs. Happy that I could bowl. I hope she [Vastrakar] is fine and overall it was a great bowling performance.”