Adelaide, February 21 – India’s off-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyanka Patil described dismissing veteran Ellyse Perry in her 350th international appearance as a “very special” moment, as the visitors secured a 2-1 victory in the T20I series against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
Shreyanka took 3-22, including Perry’s wicket, as India defended a competitive 176/6 by restricting Australia to 159/9 and earned a 17-run win to gain two more points. This result also meant that India achieved a women’s T20I series win in Australia after ten years.
“When I see my hands and spin going in a certain way, I feel a sense of confidence, and today I definitely felt that, and getting that wicket will absolutely boost your confidence. What made me especially happy was getting Pez’s wicket, and that was her 350th match, and getting her wicket is something she and I will definitely remember,” said Shreyanka in the post-match press conference.
In what was her first tour of Australia, Shreyanka said the series win was a landmark achievement for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side. “This is my first time being in Australia, and getting the series win is always a special moment for everyone who’s part of this team.
“We are enjoying this feeling and just being grateful. I just wanted to win it for my team, whether I’m bowling in any phase, and I just needed to have that positive intent and mindset to go out there and look for wickets.”
Shreyanka further said she relished the challenge of bowling in Australian conditions that offered little spin. “Absolutely, it's a little tricky for spinners, not much turn. But I really love such situations as well, bowling in different conditions. It challenges you, and you have to come out with a different mindset, plans, and all of that. So I've really enjoyed the two games I've played here.”
She also praised the batting effort by Smriti Mandhana (82) and Jemimah Rodrigues (59) that set up India’s victory. “It was really magnificent to watch those two play. Those running between the wickets, running two-two runs…they did a great job building that partnership, and that gave us the confidence, and Richa took it over from there.”
India, fresh from their Women’s ODI World Cup triumph, added another feather to their cap with the bilateral win and would be keen to gain more points via the upcoming ODI games. “I’m just focused on the T20 series, but I’m just grateful to win this series. The team has shaped really well, and they’re doing amazing. They just won the World Cup. So obviously they'll be raring to win another series against Australia,” said Shreyanka.
She added that the team was focused on building consistency and learning from each contest. “I think we’ve just seen our weaknesses and are building on our strengths. So we’re just focusing on what we can get better at, and that’s worked really well so far.”
Shreyanka concluded by saying that the confidence gained from beating Australia would serve India well heading into the Women’s T20 World Cup, to be held in England in June-July.
“Absolutely, playing against Australia, England, any team, will give you confidence when you play as a team and do well and win series like this. It will give you that extra confidence and boost, and then obviously going into the World Cup, you'll always feel good that you've got those series wins.”
