Adelaide, February 21 India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said that Jemimah Rodrigues' bold approach helped her find the perfect rhythm after a slow start to the innings, which played a key role in India's thrilling 17-run victory over Australia in the third and final T20I here on Saturday.
Mandhana scored a match-winning 82, and along with Jemimah, who contributed 59, forged a 121-run partnership that helped India reach 176 for 6 before the bowlers restricted Australia to 159 for 9.
"When she came in, I think I had only 15 runs in 16 balls and I was still trying to get my timing right, and then she came in, scored three or four boundaries, and gained momentum, which allowed me to relax," Mandhana said in the post-match presentation.
"These small things are often overlooked, but I feel that when she (Jemimah) came in and scored those quick 2-3 boundaries, it also calmed me down. So, I credit her for coming in and playing such a knock," said Mandhana about her innings, which helped India win its first T20I series in Australia after 2016.
Mandhana said that beating a formidable side like Australia was a remarkable achievement, but added that the team's focus now shifts to their next challenge, the three-match ODI series starting in Brisbane on Tuesday.
"It was great to contribute to the series win. I think beating Australia in Australia is something really special. I'm really happy for the team, and I'm glad that I could contribute. Jemimah coming in and helping me score those twos was also a great partnership between us," said Mandhana.
"I think we did beat them in 2016 when we came here, but I think we haven't played T20 in Australia for a long time, so beating them is really nice. But we will move on to the ODI series and not celebrate too much," added Mandhana.
India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who promoted Richa Ghosh to No. 4 and came in at the end of the innings, praised Mandhana and Jemimah, and emphasised the need of a committed bowling attack to beat a side like Australia.
"This (win) means a lot. I think it's a complete team effort. It's really good to see that everyone is contributing to the team. I think every partnership was very important for us. That's what we discussed in the team meetings, that we have to be there. We have to take responsibility. Both played a very important role," she said.
"The bowling plans are simple. I think whenever we take 10 wickets, we are always in a winning position. It's clear that when you know you have so many batters, it's only about taking wickets. It's not easy, but I think the bowlers did a really great job for us," added Harmanpreet.
Australia's newly-appointed skipper Sophie Molineux admitted that losing key wickets derailed their chase.
"We actually thought we had kept them to a good score. It was a pretty good wicket, but we lost some important wickets at the wrong time."
Molineux said the team was unable to give stalwart Ellyse Perry a fitting gift on her 350th match milestone.
"It was a bit disappointing. We couldn't get the result for her tonight, but she's a special person and a special cricketer. She's done so much for the game and for our team, and we wish her all the best for 350 more matches," she said.
She said the team would be motivated for the upcoming ODI series, with Alyssa Healy set for her final act.
"I think Midge (Healy) is going to bring an injection of real excitement. It's her last four games for Australia (3 ODIs and one-off Test), and we're going to do everything possible to send her off on a high note," she said.
