(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana Eye Historic ODI World Cup Triumph
India’s senior cricket stars Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana are confident that their team’s recent form, strong preparation, and renewed mindset can help them “break the barrier” and win the nation’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup.
The 2025 tournament begins on September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in the opener. Playing at home, the team hopes to go one step further than their previous best — runners-up finishes in 2005 and 2017 under Mithali Raj.
“Playing in front of a home crowd is always special. This time we’ll give our 100% to achieve what all Indian fans have been waiting for,” Harmanpreet said at an ICC event in Mumbai marking the 50-day countdown.
Strong Year for Team India
India have won nine of their last 11 ODIs in 2025, including:
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A 3-0 sweep against Ireland
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Tri-series victory in Sri Lanka (also featuring South Africa)
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A 2-1 series win over second-ranked England
The team also claimed a 3-2 T20I series win in England — their first in history on English soil.
Harmanpreet credits the success to consistency and focus:
“We knew we could win because of the preparation we’ve done. We’ve kept things simple, worked on routines, and played fearless cricket.”
Mandhana’s Stellar Form
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has been in top form, scoring 628 runs in 2025 at an average of 57.09, with her highest ODI strike rate yet (107.53). She also leads the year’s ODI run charts.
Mandhana believes off-field efforts have been key:
“Our training camps and the unity within the team are paying off. There’s a calmness now about how we approach the game.”
Final Test Before the World Cup
India will face defending champions Australia in a three-match ODI series at home just 10 days before the World Cup. Harmanpreet sees it as a valuable challenge:
“Playing Australia always tells you where you stand. It will give us clarity and help carry momentum into the tournament.”
With rising competition globally, both stars agree the Women’s ODI World Cup is now wide open — and India is ready to seize the moment.
