Auckland: The last time India and Australia clashed in a 50-over Women's World Cup match, Harmanpreet Kaur's relentless assault of 171 not out helped India beat Australia in the 2017 semifinal. But Smriti Mandhana feels it will be a "fresh day" on March 19 when the two sides meet for a round-robin game of the 2022 edition. It has been almost five years now and both teams are proceeding differently in New Zealand.
While Australia are unbeaten after four games of the 2022 tournament, India have two wins and as many loses so far.
The game is crucial for Mithali Raj's side in order to make their case stronger for a semifinal berth. But a defeat to Australia would leave India in a perilous position battling England, New Zealand and West Indies for spots in the top four.
"This time the whole group is really motivated enough to go out there and win. Everyone knows what happened in 2017 but I think it's better that we don't really think about it. It will be a fresh day," said Mandhana on the eve of the match.
"More than 2017, we definitely had a word about how we went about in the series against Australia (in 2021) and the kind of cricket we played. That's something we have had discussions around. We have done well against them in recent past. We couldn't win the series but we almost won two matches, second ODI we almost won. That is the brand of cricket we want to play," she added.
India's primary concern is their top-order, which hasn't fired as much as they would have liked. In the latest game against England, India folded for just 134 before losing the game by four wickets.
When asked about India's up and down campaign so far, Mandhana said, "We've been losing wickets back to back and that's something which we as a batting unit wants to address. I think 50 overs is all about good partnerships so we want to work on it. I think as set batters it is more of a responsibility of that batter to take the game forward. That's something I'll be really conscious about. With 1-2 partnerships we'll be able to post a total which will be a good total to defend."
"In the series (against New Zealand), our batters were really doing well and getting a good total on board. I think in the last four matches, our batting unit together hasn't clicked and that's something which we all really want to work on. I'm sure there will be a perfect game for the batters and I hope that game is tomorrow. Our bowlers are doing an amazing job, they just need a little more support from the batters to get the W (win) on the board. "
"The girls are really motivated and they really want to go out there and win the match. They are all pumped up, they know what situation we are in points table and know how important the game is. A lot of these talks are happening from our sports pyschologist's end, which is really helping the whole team to go out there with a fresh mindset and give our best," she added.
The match will be Jhulan Goswami's 200th ODI. The veteran fast bowler recently became the first woman to take 250 wickets in the 50-over format and the all-time highest wicket-taker in ODI World Cups, with 41 wickets at present.
Acknowledging Goswami's contribution to the game, Mandhana said, "It's a proud moment for all of us that Jhulu di will play her 200th match and for us to be a part of the history she is going to make. It's an amazing feat for her. For a pace bowler to play for that many years is something incredible thanks to her work ethics and she has motivated all of us. I'm sure tomorrow will be another day that she will be a motivation for all of us."
Mandhana also confirmed that Harmanpreet, who had hurt her knee while fielding during England game, is "fit and ready to play". New Zealand's largest sports stadium Eden Park, which is primarily used for rugby and association football matches, will be hosting the game.
Talking about the venue, Mandhana said, "I think the boundary size is not equal from the centre wicket at all the places. That is something which we definitely will have a look once we start practicing. "It will be all about where to stand as fielder and that will be really important on this ground because at some places you'll have to be 4-5 steps in and sometimes have to be on the boundary. So that's something we will discuss with the fielding coach."
The match starts at 6:30 AM IST. (UNI)
