New Delhi : In the highly anticipated India women vs Pakistan clash, India captain Suryakumar Yadav believes the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side can extend their unbeaten streak in women’s ODIs to 12-0 if they focus completely on playing good cricket. The two teams face off in a high-stakes group-stage match of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in Colombo on Sunday.
“Women’s cricket is playing a different brand of cricket from the last 1-2 years as I can see. They are already playing well. Against Pakistan, I think they have been playing some good cricket. If they continue as they have been doing, then I am sure mission 12-0 will happen if we play good cricket and our entire focus stays on cricket,” Suryakumar told JioStar.
He also shared his recent conversation with Harmanpreet and candidly discussed the absence of rivalry in India-Pakistan matches. “I spoke to the captain 2-3 days ago; her campaign has started well and everyone looks in good shape. They also had a good camp here in the Centre of Excellence before the World Cup.”
“When the mood is good in the camp and everyone creates a positive culture, matches and victories actually become a by-product. My stand will never change on that.”
“Rivalry happens when you play 12 games and it’s a 6-all or 7-5 scenario. Eleven-zero is not a rivalry. If the women’s team focuses completely on playing good cricket today, I am sure it will be 12-0,” he said.
Asked to predict a standout performer, he tipped Deepti Sharma as the potential game-changer against Pakistan. “I am a batsman, but I always think that an all-rounder’s role is very important in a team. If an all-rounder can’t contribute with the bat, they get an opportunity to impact with the ball.”
“So, I feel Deepti Sharma may be an x-factor today with the ball and the bat. The rest of the team should contribute from start to end. According to me, Deepti Sharma may be the player of the match today.”
Suryakumar also reserved special praise for vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, calling her “the most consistent performer for India” and lauding her record-breaking 63-ball 125 against Australia in New Delhi last month.
“When you play at home, there is always pressure. At the same time, playing in front of the Indian crowd provides support and encouragement.”
“Smriti Mandhana has been batting beautifully and consistently. If she continues in this form, it will be a contribution from everyone.”
“This is a good occasion for everyone to chip in, score runs, and then progress in the tournament. I am sure it will require a complete team effort today and going forward,” he said.
Suryakumar urged fans to rally behind the team’s quest to win a World Cup for the first time. “I am very positive this year. The women’s team is playing well, and the mood in the camp is exceptional. I still remember when I was injured a few months back at the Centre of Excellence BCCI in Bangalore.”
“They had a beautiful camp of 15-17 days. I could feel the energy and shared my thoughts with the coach and captain. It feels like a different year,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s dominance over Pakistan in the men’s Asia Cup, which they recently won in the UAE, Suryakumar recalled, “It was my birthday that day (group stage game day). I knew I might get a little gift from God. And I did.”
“We had thought about playing good cricket, which we have maintained throughout the tournament. We executed well and secured victories on all three Sundays,” he concluded.
–IANS
