Sneh Rana, India’s formidable off-spinning all-rounder, consistently delivers when it matters most. While her name might not have dominated headlines after India’s stunning 102-run victory over Australia in the second ODI at New Chandigarh, her gritty performance was absolutely pivotal.
At 31, Rana showcased her invaluable all-round abilities. Stepping in at number nine, her rapid 18-ball 24 helped India achieve their highest-ever ODI total of 292 against the formidable Australian side. Not content with just her bat, she then delivered a crucial blow with the ball, dismissing Beth Mooney, a cornerstone of Australia’s batting lineup.
Speaking ahead of the decisive third ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rana emphasized the psychological impact of their recent triumph. “That second ODI win was incredibly important for us,” she stated. “It filled the entire team with immense confidence, which will be vital as we head into the World Cup.”
Acknowledging the dual responsibility of an all-rounder, Rana revealed her commitment to continuous improvement. “As an all-rounder, I always strive to meet both the team’s expectations and my own,” she explained. “I’ve been intensely focused on my batting, particularly on developing powerful shots for those moments when hitting the ball out of the park becomes absolutely necessary.”
On the opposing side, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, herself a formidable hitter, openly conceded that India had simply outplayed her team. “It wasn’t just a wake-up call; it truly highlighted India’s strength as a cricketing powerhouse and the diverse talents they bring to the game,” Gardner remarked.
“We certainly didn’t perform at our peak,” she continued. “We were clearly outmatched across all aspects of the game, but we’re taking invaluable lessons from this experience into our next match.”
Gardner also took a moment to commend young Indian pacer Kranti Goud, whose performance in the second ODI was particularly impressive. “I’ve faced her a few times in the WPL,” Gardner noted, adding, “It’s genuinely exciting to witness such incredible depth in Indian cricket.”