Plan was to play basic cricket and accelerate at the end: Sneh Rana

Playing basic cricket before accelerating in the final five overs was the tactic for Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana as they scored match-winning fifties in India's 107-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday.

Batting first, India were a spot of bother in their opening match of the Women's World Cup at the Bay Oval at 114/6 when the allrounder duo added a record 122 runs for the seventh wicket to take India to 244/7 in 50 overs.

"Actually, our top order collapsed so we decided to take on the charge and we decided to change and rotate the strike. The pitch was slow, so our plan was to focus on singles and doubles at the start," Rana said at the post-match press conference.

"We lost early wickets. We were the the last batting pair and afterwards, we had only bowlers. So, we planned to play basic cricket till 45th over and then accelerate in last five overs," Vastrakar, who bagged the Player of the Match for her 67 off 59 balls, added.

Vastrakar, who did not take the field during Pakistan's chase, revealed that she did not bowl as a precaution.

"My leg is better, there were normal calf cramps. Didn't want to risk aggravating by bowling," she said.

Rana felt that the team has acclimatized to the conditions in New Zealand despite losing the ODI series 4-1 against the host nation ahead of the World Cup.

"New Zealand series was played after a long gap due to COVID-19, we had also been in quarantine which obviously affected the game of players," said Rana.

"We were getting used to the conditions. Slowly and gradually when we started playing, we adapted ourselves according to conditions. You can see the results of this hardwork in today's match," Rana added.

Rana was not particular about her batting in the lower-middle order despite her match-winning contribution of 53 off 48 balls.

"This decision depends upon team management. However, we aim to play at any position where our team needs us. If given opportunity to bat in top order, then obviously we will avail it and play our role in team victory."

Rana backed teenage opener Shafali Verma to come good in the tournament after being out for a duck against Pakistan.

"As far as Shafali is concerned, her past record has been excellent. She performed whenever the team required it from her. We can understand that every player faces ups and downs during the career. We never allowed her to go into a shell, rather we are trying to keep her motivated. Our team psychologist is working with her. I hope she will perform well in upcoming matches," the allrounder said.

(With inputs from PTI)