Drawing inspiration from past masters, mentors or heroes is nothing new. But a dress Harmanpreet Kaur and her team should seek motivation from India’s Under-19 women’s team, who are the newly crowned T20 world champions.
The team led by Shafali Verma won the inaugural edition at Potchefstroom last month and the senior team, who are chasing an elusive ICC Trophy, will open their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign at the other end of South Africa, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Inserted in group B together with Pakistan, England, Ireland and the West Indies, the winners of the previous edition are the neighbors fielded by Bismah Maroof.
While the legendary battles between the two famed opponents span over seven decades in men’s cricket, it is relatively new among women with the first match between the sides being played in 2005. That said, the freshness of the rivalry doesn’t detract from the intensity or spotlight. that surround it.
In the shorter format, India are the dominant side, having won 10 of the 13 clashes between the sides. But the last time the two teams met in the Asian Cup last year, Pakistan won. But next Sunday, India, given their preparations and training, will start as favourites. This, despite a major setback in the form of the absence of Smrti Mandhana. The vice-captain and batting ace is down with a finger injury.
Confirming the same, Hrishikesh Kanitkarthe substitute manager, said: “Smriti has a finger injury and is still recovering so most likely he won’t play. It’s not a fracture and we hope he will be available from the second game onwards.”
On the other hand, much to his relief, skipper Harmanpreet has recovered from shoulder discomfort and is ready to lead the team. “Harman is ready to play. He’s been batting in the nets for the past two days and he’s doing well,” added Kanitkar.
Perennial underachievers on the ICC platform, India ticked many boxes in the run-up to the competition. Their preparations included a five-game home series against defending champions Australia, an intense camp and acclimatization over three weeks which included a tri-series. Pakistan, on the other hand, geared up for the competition with a home series against Ireland before traveling to Australia for a limited tour.
Even without Smriti, India’s batting has depth with Shafali, Richa GoshHarmanpreet, Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya. The draw for the number 3 Smriti position will be between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol.
The team led by Shafali Verma won the inaugural edition at Potchefstroom last month and the senior team, who are chasing an elusive ICC Trophy, will open their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign at the other end of South Africa, in Cape Town on Sunday.
Inserted in group B together with Pakistan, England, Ireland and the West Indies, the winners of the previous edition are the neighbors fielded by Bismah Maroof.
While the legendary battles between the two famed opponents span over seven decades in men’s cricket, it is relatively new among women with the first match between the sides being played in 2005. That said, the freshness of the rivalry doesn’t detract from the intensity or spotlight. that surround it.
In the shorter format, India are the dominant side, having won 10 of the 13 clashes between the sides. But the last time the two teams met in the Asian Cup last year, Pakistan won. But next Sunday, India, given their preparations and training, will start as favourites. This, despite a major setback in the form of the absence of Smrti Mandhana. The vice-captain and batting ace is down with a finger injury.
Confirming the same, Hrishikesh Kanitkarthe substitute manager, said: “Smriti has a finger injury and is still recovering so most likely he won’t play. It’s not a fracture and we hope he will be available from the second game onwards.”
On the other hand, much to his relief, skipper Harmanpreet has recovered from shoulder discomfort and is ready to lead the team. “Harman is ready to play. He’s been batting in the nets for the past two days and he’s doing well,” added Kanitkar.
Perennial underachievers on the ICC platform, India ticked many boxes in the run-up to the competition. Their preparations included a five-game home series against defending champions Australia, an intense camp and acclimatization over three weeks which included a tri-series. Pakistan, on the other hand, geared up for the competition with a home series against Ireland before traveling to Australia for a limited tour.
Even without Smriti, India’s batting has depth with Shafali, Richa GoshHarmanpreet, Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya. The draw for the number 3 Smriti position will be between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol.
