Captain Harmanpreet Kaur says India need to work on partnerships after ODI win over Sri Lanka

Indian Women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has said that the team will need to focus on partnerships after their win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series.

Knocks from the captain and Shafali Verma powered India to a four-wicket win over the hosts on Friday. Kaur scored 44 runs while Verma scored 35 as the team chased down 172 runs with 12 overs remaining.

Earlier in the day, strong knocks by Hasini Perera and Nilakshi de Silva weren’t enough as good bowling from the Indians restricted Sri Lanka to just 171 runs.

In reply, India made a decent start but lost the wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia early. However, Verma kept things moving along smoothly alongside Kaur. The Indian skipper then put on a crucial partnership of 62 runs with Harleen Deol as well.

Inoka Ranaweera picked up the wickets of Kaur and Deol quickly to put pressure on the visitors. Ranaweera picked up her fourth of the day with India needing 34 runs with four wickets remaining.

However, Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar guided the team home to a hard-fought win.

Speaking after the game, Kaur said that she is enjoying herself at the moment and stressed on the importance of partnerships.

“Enjoying myself. When you keep getting runs, you feel you are in good form. We need to work on the partnerships. We will look to do well,” said Kaur.

The Indian captain also commented on the performances of Deol and Verma and said that she hopes both players can continue their good form. She also said that she loves to give chances to her teammates.

“I love to give chances. Harleen batted well. So did Shafali. Would hope they do well in future as well. The Lankan bowlers didn’t give us easy runs,” said Kaur.