Runners-up of the last ICC Women's T20 World Cup, India, will look to climb one more ladder at the 2023 edition of the tournament in South Africa.
India won their first and only T20 World Cup title under MS Dhoni’s captaincy way back in 2007 in South Africa.
With the Women's marquee event slated to get underway on February 10, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that they are keen to replicate the feat while also recalling "several good memories" in South Africa.
"As for South Africa, it has several good memories for Indian fans, and we are hoping to bring them more cheer. Our men’s team played the final of the 2003 World Cup there and the women’s team followed by making the final in 2005,” Harmanpreet wrote in her column for the ICC.
"The Indian men’s team then did one better by winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Will we be able to emulate them once again? Only time will tell, but we definitely are aiming to do that!"
Under Harmanpreet Kaur, India reached the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup and 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, the Women in Blue suffered defeats in the summit clash at the hands of Australia on both occasions.
"Our last match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – the 2020 final at the MCG - was watched by 86,174 spectators! That’s inspiration enough as we prepare to begin our campaign this time," the India skipper stated.
"That match, played on International Women’s Day three years ago, was a huge moment for women’s sport worldwide, as the iconic venue filled up for the Australia versus India match with fervour," she recalled.
Harmanpreet reflected on the big strides Women's cricket has made since her early days.
"I still get goosebumps remembering that match as I think of my earlier years on the circuit and realise the kind of progress women’s cricket has made.
"I have played in all the T20 World Cups so far – in fact I debuted in the format at the inaugural edition in 2009– and have seen the pace of the game surge like anything," she said.
While Kaur acknowledged that defending champions Australia will go into the 2023 edition as favourites, she also added that the other teams have improved their game.
"I am sure this year’s tournament in South Africa will be ultra-competitive," said Harmanpreet. "Though Australia go into the tournament as favourites, there is very little separating other teams, promising close matches and high-class performances.
"India have made the final of ICC women’s global events three times – the 50-over World Cups of 2005 and 2017 being the other occasions – and are hungry for that evasive title as we go to South Africa with high hopes and the confidence of having an outfit that can beat any team on its day."
(With ICC Inputs)
