Can’t make errors against Australia, have to get the best game out: Smriti Mandhana

After a humiliating 58-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, India made a remarkable comeback against Pakistan, beating them by six wickets. That gave the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side the confidence to win their remaining games in the league stage and fight for a spot in the semi-finals.

Next up, India will challenge Sri Lanka in the tournament, followed by their marquee clash against Australia in Dubai. Ahead of that, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stated that the remaining two games are very crucial for the side and the players are ready to give their all. Notably, India lost to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final and would be looking for revenge but their game against Australia won’t be an easy one.

Mandhana analysed that none of the players can afford to make any error against Australia. She added that everyone in the team is excited to put up a tough fight against the Alyssa Healy-led side but understands the challenge of facing the six-time champions.

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“As a player, all games are important to us, when you come to the World Cup you have to give 100 percent in each game, Sri Lanka is a good team in our group. But With Australia, you know that you can't make errors and minimize them, and you have to get the best game out on that particular day to get the better of them. So, yeah there is excitement to do that on that day because they are a really good team so to come up against them and beat them," Mandhana told Star Sports.

India are currently fourth on the group A points table. New Zealand rank first, followed by Australia and Pakistan. To make it to the semi-final, India will have to finish in the top two. For the same reason, they cannot afford to drop points against Sri Lanka and Australia and might well have to improve their net run rate.