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'It was just a very heat of the moment thing. I didn't think much about it. Just came off'
India medium-pacer Arundhati Reddy on Sunday said the team's focus will be on boosting the net run rate in the upcoming matches of the Women's T20 World Cup, having failed to do so in the six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai.
The 27-year-old Reddy was the star of the day as she returned excellent figures of 3/19 to help India restrict Pakistan to 105 for eight.
The Indian batters' overcautious approach nearly cost them the match before skipper Harmanpreet Kaur used her years of experience to bail the team out.
"We understand net run rate is important but also winning the game is all the more important for us. Like you said again net run rate will be in play especially in this group," Reddy said at the post-match press conference.
"Honestly today the wicket was playing a little slower. So obviously, the batters could not. The main thing was to finish the game. But we've discussed about it (net run rate). And we're looking forward to improve on it in the next few games."
Before the Pakistan game, India's NRR was -2.90 and after this win, it has marginally improved to -1.217, which is inferior compared to Pakistan's -0.555. The group comprises Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka besides India and Pakistan.
The pitch playing slow also did not help the batters' cause.
"I think we just went by what was happening like you said today the pitch was little on the slower side we knew that we couldn't start as freely as we could because it was a little on the slower side so the plan was for the openers to see it off and see how the wicket is playing and then, you know, finish accordingly."
Reddy gave Nida Dar a fiery send-off and it became one of the talking points of the match.
"It was just a very heat of the moment thing. I didn't think much about it. Just came off so," the bowler said after the game.
Reddy, who made her T20I debut in 2018, has made her way back into the team with the aim to be the best in the world. The last time she played in a World Cup was in 2020 against Bangladesh.
"I know I'm much prepared now than what I was back in 2020 but again I've come into this setup with a lot of confidence and I know I can deliver for the team as and when it's required."
"I wanted to play for India again. Obviously like 3, 3-and-a-half years I was off and not a great patch for me personally but again you think of what needs to be done, what I need to be improving on. So for me the main focus was to be the best all-rounder in the world."
"I just prepared a certain way that I know when I come in that I need to win games for India and I will be confident enough to do it and that was the mindset when I was not part of the team."
India dropped two catches on Sunday, both by Asha Sobhana, and she said the team is trying to get better in fielding.
"Honestly as a team we have been working very hard on our fielding. I knew there were a few lapses but as long as the team wins we are happy. Obviously, it's a work in progress, and I'm sure we'll get there soon."
During her fine show with the ball, Reddy neither erred in line nor in length, a reflection of the work that she has put in when she was trying to get back into the team.
"Honestly, the last couple of years I've tried to really work on my bowling as a complete T20 bowler."
"Again, there's a lot of work that's gone behind it. Because I wanted to be a bowler who can bowl in all phases, I look forward to being that bowler who can bowl in all phases."
"So, the preparation has been accordingly and it's something that I've been working on for two years. So, I know I'm a lot prepared as of now."