'We hope to continue what our U19 team did'- says skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of match against Pakistan in Women's 20-20 World Cup

India is set to take on arch-rival Pakistan in their first match of the Women’s 20-20 World Cup. Going to the World Cup, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said the team will be aiming to replicate the world cup winning triumph of the U19 team. India colts created history by winning the first-ever U19 Women’s World Cup last month. The Women In Blue won the tournament by defeating England in the final.

Notably, two members of the senior team also were part of that Colts World Cup-winning team. Allrounder Shafali Verma was leading the U19 team while wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was also an integral part of the team. Talking about the same, Kaur in a recent interview said, “It feels good that two of our players got the taste of how it feels after winning a World Cup trophy. Their experience and feelings will motivate others. We hope to continue what our U19 team did."

Talking about the upcoming game against Pakistan, the right-hander said "I feel that a single player can only win you a game or two. That is why, I keep talking to all the players, to keep them comfortable."

Smriti Mandhana is ruled out of the first game against Pakistan

However, ahead of the high-octane game, team India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is ruled out. She injured her middle finger during a warm-up match against Australia. Although the injury is not so serious and she will be available for selection from the second game against West Indies.

On the other hand, the India skipper is declared fit to play against the game. She had missed both warm-up games against Bangladesh and Australia due to fitness issues. Notably, Harmanpreet had suffered a shoulder injury while playing against South Africa during the finals of the recently concluded tri-series.

Talking about the ongoing INDO-PAK game, the Green Brigade has lost two wickets and 42 runs on the board.