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The Indian women's cricket team faces a crucial task in their upcoming Women's T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka. Not only do they need a victory, but they also require a convincing one to improve their net run rate (NRR) before their vital encounter with reigning champions Australia on October 13th. The pressure is on, as the match against Australia will be a battle against a team that has consistently outplayed India in international competitions.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana acknowledges the importance of the Sri Lanka game, emphasizing the need for a flawless performance to stand a chance against Australia. She believes that every match in the World Cup demands 100% effort, but the clash with Australia presents a unique challenge. Mandhana recognizes Australia's strength and highlights the importance of minimizing errors and delivering a peak performance to overcome them. The excitement for the match stems from the fact that Australia is a formidable opponent, and the opportunity to defeat them is a significant motivator.
India's opener Shafali Verma shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing that Sri Lanka is no longer a team solely reliant on their captain, Chamari Athapaththu. Sri Lanka's recent success in winning the Asia Cup demonstrates their improved overall performance. Verma acknowledges Athapaththu's leadership and pressure handling abilities, recognizing her inspirational role for the team. The improved performance of the Sri Lankan team adds another layer of complexity to India's challenge.
Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur acknowledges the threat posed by Athapaththu, recognizing her ability to single-handedly turn the game around with aggressive strokeplay. Renuka outlines her strategy to dismiss Athapaththu early, understanding that if she gets set, she can take control of the match. Renuka's plan demonstrates the team's focus on neutralizing key players and their commitment to achieving victory.
The upcoming match against Sri Lanka holds significant implications for India's tournament hopes. A strong performance, boosting their NRR, will provide a crucial confidence boost before the challenging encounter with Australia. India's ability to execute their plans and deliver a convincing victory will be crucial in determining their progress in the tournament.
Source: Women's T20 World Cup: There will be no margin of error against Australia, says Smriti Mandhana