Smriti Mandhana reveals why 2023 Women's T20 World Cup can be a game-changer for the Indian women

In less than three months from now, the Indian women will be headed to South Africa to participate in the T20 World Cup that is slated to be played in February. Indian opener, Smriti Mandhana believes that the women in blue are all set to deliver a better display than what they pulled off in the previous edition of the tournament.

In 2020, India finished as the runners-up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australia walked away with the silverware. This time however, things are a lot different and with the fresh faces in the side and the new determination with which Team India has fought in recent times, Mandhana believes that this is the best possible chance for the Indian women to prove their mettle.

In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, Mandhana said, “The Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa promises to be a spectacular event, we are looking forward to heading there and competing against the best teams in the world.”

She further added, “We came up short against Australia in the final in 2020 so we are really motivated to go one further in 2023. South Africa is a beautiful country to tour, the people love their cricket and always know how to turn it up, it's going to be an amazing experience.”

As Mandhana batted in an inspiring manner for the Women in Blue, Australia’s new vice-captain, Alyssa Healy had a few words for the other teams as she said, “It is exciting to think that the next World Cup is only 100 days away. The women’s game continues to go from strength to strength and I have got no doubt the next tournament will be a memorable one. We are looking forward to taking on the best teams in the world and defending the World Cup.”