CWG 2022: Cricket in Commonwealth Games: Women’s cricket is making its debut at the Commonwealth Games 2022, and there is a huge buzz around it. There are eight strong teams, including India, Pakistan, England among others. India batter Smriti Mandhana is keen to see the country win gold and stand in the podium with the Indian flag soaring high and is taking inspiration from Neeraj Chopra’s Tokyo Olympics gold. Follow Commonwealth Games 2022 live updated with InsideSport.IN
Without doubt, India have sent a strong team for Birmingham. The 15-member squad will be led by superstar Harmanpreet Kaur with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. If their big names, including Shafali Verma and others fire, India could well may be creating history.
When Smriti spoke with the media on Friday, one could get the patriotic tone in her voice, as she kept on talking about the India flag.
“All the girls in the team are already excited (about the CWG 2022). We all know the feeling we have watched CWG and the Olympics in TV. When the Indian flag goes higher, we hear the national anthem, everyone knows the feeling. We are going for Gold in Birmingham; we are not just looking for a podium finish,” she said.
“Because when the flag goes higher and when the national anthem is played, that is the best feeling. I literally got goosebumps when Neeraj Chopra won gold in Olympics. We have an opportunity to be there and try to that.”
💬 💬 We are aiming for Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games: #TeamIndia vice-captain @mandhana_smriti. 👍 👍#B2022 pic.twitter.com/7Tsovu3Y12
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 22, 2022
India are pooled alongside Australia, Pakistan and Barbados in Group A. After the completion of the group matches, the top two teams will make it to the semifinals. Hence, there is not much room for error in the group stages though India are favaourites alongside Australia to reach the knockout rounds from the group. The competition will be played in T20 format.
India, who defeated Sri Lanka in their last ODI series, have come with their home work done well and it is about execution in Birmingham. “The groups were decided long back. WE have our plans for Australia, Pakistan and Barbados. Hope everything will work as we have planned.”
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