Key Points

The Indian women's cricket team is gearing up for their high-stakes World Cup match against Pakistan. Both captains are feeling the excitement and pressure that comes with this historic rivalry. Smriti Mandhana shared how everyone they meet urges them to win, creating an intense atmosphere. The team is looking to maintain their perfect record against Pakistan in World Cup encounters.

Key Points: Smriti Mandhana on India Pakistan Women's World Cup Rivalry

  • India maintains perfect World Cup record against Pakistan with four consecutive wins
  • Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizes treating it like any other game despite rivalry
  • Smriti Mandhana reveals how public pressure motivates the team to perform better
  • Deepti Sharma acknowledges the extra weight and excitement of India-Pakistan matches
2 min read

Everyone you meet since morning...: Smriti Mandhana on IND-PAK Women's WC clash

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana discuss the intense atmosphere and pressure ahead of their Women's World Cup clash against Pakistan.

"Everyone you meet since morning tells you to win. That sort of atmosphere also brings out the best in you sometimes. - Smriti Mandhana"

Mumbai, October 4

Ahead of her side's high-octane ICC Women's World Cup clash against Pakistan in the ICC Women's World Cup, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana spoke on the excitement surrounding this rivalry and the team's mindset heading into the clash.

The Indian team, which kick-started the campaign with a 59-run win over Sri Lanka, will have their second match of the campaign against Pakistan, which endured a humiliating defeat in their campaign opener against Bangladesh. India has never lost to Pakistan in the women's 50-over World Cup, having won all four of their clashes so far.

Speaking ahead of the match to JioStar, Harmanpreet said, "We have grown up watching India-Pakistan games and always wanted to be a part of them. We always talk about treating it as any other game and staying focused."

Smriti also said that whenever the clash with arch-rival comes, everyone meets them and tells them to win and the team enjoys such atmosphere.

"The atmosphere during India-Pakistan games is always very intense; it is always a full house. Everyone you meet since morning tells you to win. That sort of atmosphere also brings out the best in you sometimes. My teammates and I absolutely enjoy that," she said.

Harmanpreet has a poor record against Pakistan, with just 55 runs in four innings at an average of 13.75, with the best score of 24. For Smriti, it is 54 runs in two innings, with a half-century to her name.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma said that the "weight and excitement" of India-Pakistan is much bigger compared to other games.

"We look forward to that contest and are always on our toes when we face them," she concluded.

Against Pakistan, Deepti has managed 97 runs in three innings at an average of 48.50, with a best score of 40. She has also taken three wickets against them, averaging 19.33.

Squads:

-India Women's Squad: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry

-Pakistan Women's Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz(w), Fatima Sana(c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eyman Fatima, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Smriti is absolutely right about the atmosphere. Even in my office today, everyone's discussing the match since morning. The pressure must be immense but our girls seem to be handling it well. Deepti's stats against Pakistan look promising!
A
Ananya R
While I love the rivalry, I hope the players don't feel too much pressure. The "win at all costs" mentality from fans can be overwhelming. Let's support them regardless of the result - they're representing our country with pride! 🙏
S
Sarah B
The women's team deserves the same hype as men's cricket. Their record against Pakistan is impressive - 4 wins out of 4! Hope they maintain that perfect record today. Smriti and Harmanpreet, make us proud! 🏏
V
Vikram M
Good to see the team treating it like any other game. That's the professional approach needed. The stats show we have the upper hand, but cricket is unpredictable. Hope our batting lineup fires today! 🔥
M
Michael C
Watching from Canada and the excitement is palpable even here! The India-Pakistan rivalry transcends borders. Wishing both teams good sportsmanship and hoping for a thrilling contest. May the best team win! 🤝

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50