Smriti Mandhana Credits Jemimah Rodrigues' Daring Knock For Turning Tide Against Australia: 'Her Approach Calmed Me Down'

India vs Australia: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana said the bold approach of Jemimah Rodrigues helped her find the perfect rhythm after a tepid beginning to the innings, which played a defining role in her side's thrilling 17-run victory over Australia in the third and final T20I here on Saturday.

Mandhana played a match-setting 82 and, alongside Jemimah who contributed 59, forged a 121-run partnership that propelled India to 176 for 6 before the bowlers stifled Australia for 159 for 9.

"When she came in, I think I was 16-ball 15 (runs) and still getting my timing and she came in, got three or four boundaries, got the momentum going and I could take some time," Mandhana said in the post-match presentation.

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"Those small things don't really get noticed, but I feel when she (Jemimah) came in and got those quick 2-3 boundaries, it calmed me down as well. So, credit to her for coming in and playing that sort of a knock," said Mandhana about her innings, which helped India win its first T20I series Down Under 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 good to contribute to the series win. I think beating Australia in Australia is something really special. I'm really happy for the team and glad that I could contribute. Jemi (Rodrigues) coming in and making me run all those twos, but yeah, I think it's a really good partnership between Jemi and me.

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"I think we did beat them in 2016 back when we came here, but I think we've played T20 after a very long time in Australia, so beating them is really nice, but we will move on to the ODI series and not celebrate too much," added Mandhana.