Hype entire T20 Women’s World Cup, not just IND vs PAK: Smriti Mandhana

Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana wants the focus to remain on the entire upcoming Women’s World T20 Cup, downplaying the intense focus on their high-profile opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan. India are scheduled to open their tournament campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14, a fixture that always generates huge public interest.

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“We played India-Pakistan at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and we were sold out,” Mandhana told reporters. “Not just India-Pakistan, I feel we really need that to promote the T20 World Cup. We don’t have to stress just one match. It’s already inflated. I’m sure a lot of people will come to support us. Hopefully we can put on a show for them.”

The 29-year-old opener was speaking after India suffered a six-wicket defeat against England in the third T20I to hand the hosts a 2-1 series win. Mandhana blamed the loss on India’s inability to create sustained pressure through the dots during England’s chase of 181, a mistake she hopes the team will rectify ahead of the tentpole ICC event.

“We certainly started extremely well with the ball, reducing England to 35 for 3,” reflected Mandhana. “In hindsight, we would have been able to build pressure with a few dots but we didn’t do that. I wouldn’t really take anything away from the partnership they had; I think they played some really good knocks of cricket.”

England recovered from an early wobble thanks to a massive 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Alice Capsey, who smashed 82, and captain Heather Knight, who remained unbeaten on 70.

Despite the series loss, Mandhana found reasons to remain optimistic and pointed to the excellent form of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who anchored India’s innings with a blistering 40-ball 56 to guide the team to 180 for five.

“She has been batting amazingly well. Harman when he is at his best is a joy to watch,” said Mandhana. “I feel they’re all in good nick. It’s a good sign going forward for the World Cup that Jamie, Harman, they’re all looking really good to watch from the outside. Hopefully I can watch it from the non-striker’s end.”

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

June 3, 2026 12:47 PM IST