Self-belief biggest takeaway from Australia series despite defeat: Harmanpreet Kaur | cricket news

Mumbai: India may have suffered a 1-4 series defeat but the biggest takeaway for the hosts in the five-match T20I series has been confidence, said the women’s team captain. Harmanpreet Kaur,
India ended the series on a disappointing note, losing the fifth and final Women’s T20 International by 54 runs here on Tuesday.
Sent in to bat, Ashleigh Gardner (66 not out) and Grace Harris (64 not out) struck explosive unbeaten half-centuries as Australia posted 196 for 4.
Heather Graham then claimed a hat-trick, only the second female cricketer from her country to do so, bowling India out for 142.

Harmanpreet said, “I think we were really good in the first 10-12 overs. We know the kind of power they (Australia) have in their game, unfortunately we could not stop them. Lots of learning for us.” Got it.” Post-match presentation.
“We knew the type of cricket they play though, glad to have improved in a lot of areas. We learned a lot of things from them, the way they were clearing boundaries – that’s something we want to bring “
“Self-belief has been the biggest positive in this series. We still have a month to go where we want to train hard before the World Cup,” he added.
Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath said she is proud of playing fearless cricket, which showed perfectly on Tuesday.
“It’s always a fierce battle against India, and this series did not disappoint. The power play is impressive to watch, loved watching Ash (Gardner) and Grace (Harris) today.”
He said, “We pride ourselves on fearless cricket, taking the game forward and being on the front lines. The crowd has been the best thing about the series, India thrashing us.”
Gardner, who was named Player of the Series, said she was just enjoying her game.
“Just enjoying my cricket more than anything else, making the most of it on the field,” she said.
“I find it easier to bat with someone like Grace, who has a power game to back up the chat. I’ve enjoyed my cricket over the last 12 months. I think in some games I’m more of a bowler , batter in the other.”