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Smriti Mandhana issues a warning to Australia: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is ongoing in England. It is the 10th edition of the World Cup organised by the apex body. On Sunday, India Women’s National Cricket Team will be up against the Australia Women’s National Cricket Team in a virtual knockout match. It is a must-win game for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Ahead of the match, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was present in the pre-match press conference and shared her views about the match, and also leaked India’s plans to stop the six-time T20 World Champions. Previously, Shafali Verma issued a warning to the Aussies.
"That's something which we'll all look to do tomorrow"- Smriti Mandhana reveals India's plans against Australia
The equation for the Women in Blue is simple: win the match and qualify for the next round, which will knock South Africa out of the tournament. Mandhana said India will play an "aggressive brand of cricket" against Australia. She believes it is going to be a big game for the reigning ODI World Cup champions.
A must-win for #TeamIndia, and #SmritiMandhana makes their intent clear. 🗣️
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 27, 2026
ICC Women's #T20WorldCup 👉 #INDvAUS | SUN, 28th JUN, 6 PM pic.twitter.com/lIJL4AOADf
"It's a big game obviously. We've all spoken a lot about how we really want to be playing the aggressive brand of cricket and that's something which we'll all look to do tomorrow," said Mandhana in the pre-match press conference.
"The batting unit is itching to go"- Smriti Mandhana on India's batting not yet firing to full potential
Smriti Mandhana pointed out that India’s batting have not fired up to their full potential. There have been some issues with the top order, and especially the middle order has struggled this year, with only Richa Ghosh firing in this tournament so far. They have beaten Australia in the shortest format of the game, and Smriti Mandhana and the side are well prepared for the upcoming game.
"We've been speaking a lot in the batting meeting about how we really want to go out there and bat with intent. It's not happened as much as we would have loved to. But having said that, I think everyone in the batting unit is itching to go," she added.
"We did well in the T20 format in Australia. We'll take a lot of confidence from that. With the WPL, I feel the girls are also very well prepped in terms of taking the high pressure games a little better than what we could before."
"I feel the gap has definitely narrowed"- Smriti Mandhana points out franchise leagues' importance
Smriti Mandhana stated that playing in the Big Bash League and also Australia players playing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) have narrowed down the competition as now all cricketers are well aware of the strengths and weaknesses, giving the Women in Blue an outside chance to win games as well.
"But, yeah, again, I feel the gap has definitely narrowed. With a few of our players playing Big Bash, the experience is being shared and I feel the kind of cricket Indian team has played in the last four, five years - the gap has narrowed down." The 29-year-old also believes she and her opening partner, Shafali Verma, could make a good contribution against the Aussies while opening.
"We had a very quiet series in England. We both were really pumped to get back to giving the good starts for India because, of course, whenever we lay the foundation, more or less, we are in a good place. "So I'm really happy with the way she's striking the ball and I hope that we can switch up our partnership together," she noted.
