Ahead of the highly anticipated Women’s T20 World Cup, Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has candidly shared insights into the formidable challenge of overcoming Australia, a team that has consistently dominated the tournament. With Australia having won the last three editions, Mandhana emphasizes the necessity for flawless execution in every match, asserting that there are no shortcuts to victory.
Mandhana remarked on the significance of each game in the World Cup, particularly as India prepares to face strong teams like New Zealand in their opening match. “Every game in the World Cup is important, and you have to give your 100 percent in each one. New Zealand and Sri Lanka are strong teams, but with Australia, you know you can’t afford to make mistakes,” she stated.
The vice-captain expressed excitement and pressure associated with facing Australia, noting the challenge of besting a squad renowned for its excellence. “There’s always excitement when facing Australia because they’re such a good team, and beating them is a great challenge,” Mandhana said, acknowledging the need for the Indian side to bring their best performance on match day.
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Shifting the focus to the India-Pakistan rivalry, Mandhana described it as deeply emotional, transcending mere competition. “I think the India-Pakistan rivalry is more about the emotions of the fans than anything else. It’s not like the players don’t talk to each other; it’s the emotions from both nations that make it so intense,” she explained. Their clash is set for October 6, igniting fervor among fans from both nations.
Mandhana also addressed the challenges posed by the Dubai heat during their match against Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization and preparation. “The afternoon game is going to be a challenge due to the heat, but when you play for India, there are no excuses. You have to prepare well,” she noted, highlighting the team’s dedication to overcoming the climate.
With the World Cup just days away, Mandhana’s words serve as a rallying cry for the Indian team as they embark on their quest for glory in the tournament, aiming to disrupt Australia’s dominance while cherishing the spirited rivalry with Pakistan.
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