NEW DELHI: India were clinical with both bat and ball in their eight wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening T20 International on Sunday. Despite a few lapses in the field, the hosts kept Sri Lanka to a modest 121 for six before sealing the chase comfortably.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, however, stressed that her side will look to sharpen their fielding in the next match.

Indian fielders endured a forgettable outing, dropping a few regulation chances, even though the bowlers did well to apply pressure throughout the innings. Sri Lanka never really found momentum and were restricted to a below par total.

Jemimah Rodrigues then took charge with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 44 balls as India chased down the target of 122 with 32 balls to spare. Her composed yet fluent knock ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.

Harmanpreet points out areas to improve

“Yeah, did well with bat and ball but fielding is something we’re really working hard. But I don’t know why we keep dropping catches but yeah next match we’ll come up with even better approach.

“It’s wet because of dew no doubt about it but it’s no excuse. We know these conditions are going to be there. I think that is something which we really need to think about it because at crucial matches these things can cost us. In next match I’m sure we’ll come up with a better approach.”

When asked whether India were prepared to bat first if needed, Harmanpreet explained the team’s thinking.

“Well, we are also playing after almost a month after ODI World Cup triumph so we don’t want to unnecessarily challenge ourselves.

“I think I feel whatever is the condition just think how we can do better for our team so I think today was something we wanted to bowl first and then chase. I think will really did well so I don’t want to unnecessarily keep challenging ourselves.

“I think it’s better to go with the situation and how we can show our better approach.”

Rodrigues reflects on her approach

Player of the match Rodrigues said she was keen to carry forward her form from the ODI World Cup.

“When the runs are coming, I need to capitalise. That was the mindset.”

Asked whether more fielders would be required to stop her late cut, she responded with a smile.

“I will still find the gaps.”

Rodrigues said her focus was on reading the conditions and reacting accordingly.

“It was slightly sticky not as flat as everyone initially though. I was in good touch. My mindset was simple. In my mind I was blank I was just reacting to the ball.”

Speaking about the bigger picture, she added,

“We have been going really well. What has happened in the past has happened. What’s next It is the T20 World Cup. We just want to win that.”

On taking on Sri Lankan spinner Shashini Gimhani, Rodrigues credited the team’s preparation.

“Our video analysts told us that she is very good. She is a rising star and will be doing well for SL. I was just reacting to her deliveries and playing over the fielder.”

Athapaththu admits Sri Lanka fell short

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged that her side did not post enough runs.

“We have to bounce back in the next game. We did a lot of mistakes in the middle. We have to play positive cricket in the middle.”

On the dew factor, she said conditions were not an excuse.

“We can’t play the conditions. We have to play in these conditions and hopefully we can play better cricket in the next few days. We need to improve a few areas especially in batting.

“We have to play positive cricket. We played very defensive cricket. We have to be positive. I have to show more responsibility and I have to lead from the front. I hope the youngsters also do better.”

(With PTI Inputs)