The Women’s World Cup is returning to India after 12 years, with the first match between India and Sri Lanka set to take place in Guwahati. The Indian team is expected to be a strong contender, with much depending on the performance of Smriti Mandhana.
Mandhana has been a consistent performer for India, but her World Cup performances haven’t always met expectations, leading to criticism. The upcoming match against Sri Lanka provides an opportunity for Mandhana to silence her critics, given her current form. Scoring a century in this match will take her to second place in the list of most ODI centuries, equaling Suzie Bates with 13 centuries and also putting her closer to Meg Lanning (15).