Can't afford mistakes against Australia: Smriti Mandhana before T20 World Cup

Smriti Mandhana admitted that India cannot afford to make mistakes against Australia. India will begin their campaign against New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

In Short

• India to face Australia on October 13 in Group A clash
• India lost to Australia in 2020 final and 2023 semi-final of T20 World Cup
• Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will be aiming maiden ICC title

Team India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is wary of the Australia threat ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. She said that the Indian women's team cannot afford to make mistakes against old foes Australia. However, she admitted that every game would be important for them as she also ranked New Zealand and Sri Lanka as strong contenders. Smriti felt that beating a team like Australia would be a great challenge. The Indian team will begin their campaign in Women's T20 World Cup against New Zealand from October 4, Friday.

"Every game in the World Cup is important, and you have to give your 100% in each one. New Zealand and Sri Lanka are strong teams, but with Australia, you know you can't afford to make mistakes. You have to bring your best game on that particular day to get the better of them. There's always excitement when facing Australia because they're such a good team, and beating them is a great challenge," Mandhana told Star Sports.

The India-Australia rivalry

Australia have always posed a tough challenge to India in the T20 World Cups over the years. India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final in 2020, followed by a semi-final defeat in T20 World Cup 2023. Australia went on to win their 3rd straight title in T20 World Cup and will step in as defending champions, aiming 4th consecutive win.

India will face Australia on October 13 in Group A clash, but before that they will be up against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6.

"India-Pakistan is more about emotions"

Mandhana admitted that there have been lots of emotions and anticipation attached to India's match against Pakistan.

"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. For me, every World Cup match is special, and we put the same amount of effort into each game. But there's definitely a lot of emotion attached to the India-Pakistan games."

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team will aim to end their ICC title drought as they have already won both their warm-up games.