My only message was finish well, says India women’s team coach Amol Muzumdar

India’s head coach, Amol Muzumdar, was delighted after Team India registered a memorable five-wicket win against Australia in the World Cup semifinal on Thursday. The former Mumbai batter said his only message to the team was to finish well.

India had struggled to finish off matches even when they were in shoo-in positions, against South Africa and England. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team needed 55 runs off 53 balls against England but fell four runs short in the end.

Meanwhile, Jemimah Rodrigues was able to get his team over the line in the run chase of 339 as she scored a match-winning knock of 127 runs off just 134 balls. Furthermore, Harmanpreet Kaur scored 89 runs off 88 balls and she added 167 runs with Rodrigues.

“There were no big messages. We always told each other we need to finish well. We usually start well, but finishing has been our area to improve. Today was that day,” Muzumdar said after the famous win.

Muzumdar said the move to promote Rodrigues to one drop paid dividends for the team.

“I always felt Jemi has the temperament to shift gears. That one move made a difference,” Muzumdar said.

The chief coach added that experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma also played key roles in India’s success.

“Harman was calm, smiling all the way through. Deepti kept motivating everyone, and Smriti was her usual cheerful self. Everyone knows their role, and that helps,” Muzumdar said.

Muzumdar said the loss against England in the group stage fired up the side.

“The next practice session had more energy and intent. Sometimes it’s not failure. It’s just a hiccup that teaches you more… I am still in daze (after the win against Australia).”

India will next take on South Africa in the final on Sunday.