We didn't really get the start we wanted – Smriti Mandhana after RCB-W’s defeat against MI

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women couldn’t find the stride against Mumbai Indians after a shaky start left them asking for more. Opting to bat first, RCB-W suffered early blows that proved to be their unravelling. Smriti Mandhana departed early, scoring only 9 runs.

At the post-match presentation, Mandhana talked at length about what didn’t go right while also heaping praise on Ellyse Perry for her resilient knock in the face of pressure.

Mandhana said, “I think we didn't really get the start we wanted, and that (losing 4 wickets early) really cost us the game. It was the same wicket we played against Delhi Capitals, we thought 165 was a good total, it wasn't as good as it was in the last game, but still a good wicket to bat on.”

She further added, “Batting first it's holding a little bit, we tried but couldn't adjust to the wicket, hopefully we will learn the lessons and come back strong. Having a good start and carrying the momentum is really important in T20 cricket. Also really important to attack the stumps.”

Mandhana concluded with a note of praise for Perry, stating, “Perry is definitely a fighter, she wasn't 100 percent today, but anyone watching wouldn't have figured that out. She is an excellent athlete and her innings really helped us get to a decent score from that stage (42/4).”