Team India start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on Sunday against Pakistan, but looking at the larger picture, Harmanpreet Kaur‘s team is paired alongside Australia and South Africa as well. So, the road to the semis won’t be easy, and we would have to be very careful, as to how we go about the campaign.
‘Keep weather in mind’
UPW head coach Abhishek Nayar offered some valuable piece of advice, which could hold the team in good stead. For starters, he mentioned that the Indians not only need to win in England, but win big, considering the unpredictable weather. Plus, the focus should be on stringing some early victories together, which could ease the pressure of semis qualification.
“India have to keep the weather in mind. Playing in England, rain is always a factor. Matches can be shortened or washed out,” Nayar said on JioStar. “So, they can’t just aim to win. They have to win by big margins. Net run rate could decide who goes through.”
“You want to enter the last two group games, against Bangladesh and Australia, with qualification already almost secured. You don’t want to go into those matches needing a win to qualify.”
All the pressure on Pakistan
As far as the IND vs PAK match is concerned, Nayar made it clear that the pressure was only on Pakistan, since India is way ahead, in terms of skill. “In women’s cricket, India is far ahead in skill and team strength,” he said. “India walk in as the favourites and that is how everyone sees them.”
India have a decent schedule in the Women’s T20 World Cup, where after Pakistan, they face Netherlands next on June 17. That match will be followed by a tricky encounter against South Africa on June 21 in Manchester; Bangladesh and Australia are lined up for June 25 & 28, respectively.
Cricket
Women's World Cup: India and Pakistan meet again, but attention split between cricket & controversy
