After a throbbing Test and an exciting ODI series, England and India have now continued forward to the T20 format in the midst of high expectations. The first T20I between India Women and England Women will take place at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday.&nbsp;

Coming to recent exhibitions, India Women endured a 1-2 loss in their last T20I series against South Africa. In the meantime, England Women are on an eight-match series of wins in the T20Is. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/cricket-bcci-chief-sourav-ganguly-reacts-to-controversy-surrounding-shubman-gills-injury-396911" hreflang="en">Cricket: BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly reacts to controversy surrounding Shubman Gill's injury</a>

<h2>Head-to-Head</h2>

England Women have command over India Women in the T20 format. The two teams have played 19 T20I matches, where the England Women have arisen successfully in 15 games.&nbsp;

Discussing their head-to-head record in the last five matches, England Women lead India Women by 3-1.&nbsp;

<h2>England</h2>

Katherine Brunt has been the best bowler with 19 wickets for England Women in T20I matches against India Women.&nbsp;Danielle Wyatt has scored 333 runs in 12 T20I innings versus India.&nbsp;

England skipper Heather Knight will be one of the keys to the group's fortunes during the T20Is too. She has a great record in the T20 format, having scored 1295 runs from 81 games at a strike rate of 119.02. She has additionally pounded a century in the shortest format of the game, aside from four half-centuries.&nbsp;

England's Probable XI: Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight, Amy Ellen-Jones, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Katherine Brunt, Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers, and Anya Shrubsole.

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

Shafali Verma is as of now the No. 1 player in the ICC Women's T20I rankings. In 22 T20 games for India, she has 617 runs to her name at a strike rate of 148.31.&nbsp; 
She has had a stupendous run in England until now. The adolescent will be certain of bringing her game up in the T20Is, a format where she is the most threatening. If she gets rolling at the top-order, she can set India in a place to secure the three-match T20I series.&nbsp;

Deepti Sharma has scalped nine wickets in eight T20I matches against England Women. Among the players, Smriti Mandhana has scored 317 runs in ten T20I thumps against the English side.&nbsp;

India's Probable XI:&nbsp;Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Taniya Bhatia, Shikha Pandey, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav.

India Women will confront significant difficulties in this clash. The England Women are in intense form in T20I cricket and it's anything but an exceptional exertion from the guests to snap their adversaries' series of wins.

After a throbbing Test and an exciting ODI series, England and India have now continued forward to the T20 format in the midst of high expectations. The first T20I between India Women and England Women will take place at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday.

After a throbbing Test and an exciting ODI series, England and India have now continued forward to the T20 format in the midst of high expectations. The first T20I between India Women and England Women will take place at the County Ground in Northampton on Friday. Coming to recent exhibitions, India Women endured a 1-2 loss in their last T20I series against South Africa. In the meantime, England Women are on an eight-match series of wins in the T20Is. ALSO READ: Cricket: BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly reacts to controversy surrounding Shubman Gill's injury Head-to-Head England Women have command over India Women in the T20 format. The two teams have played 19 T20I matches, where the England Women have arisen successfully in 15 games. Discussing their head-to-head record in the last five matches, England Women lead India Women by 3-1. England Katherine Brunt has been the best bowler with 19 wickets for England Women in T20I matches against India Women. Danielle Wyatt has scored 333 runs in 12 T20I innings versus India. England skipper Heather Knight will be one of the keys to the group's fortunes during the T20Is too. She has a great record in the T20 format, having scored 1295 runs from 81 games at a strike rate of 119.02. She has additionally pounded a century in the shortest format of the game, aside from four half-centuries. England's Probable XI: Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver, Heather Knight, Amy Ellen-Jones, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Katherine Brunt, Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers, and Anya Shrubsole. India Shafali Verma is as of now the No. 1 player in the ICC Women's T20I rankings. In 22 T20 games for India, she has 617 runs to her name at a strike rate of 148.31. She has had a stupendous run in England until now. The adolescent will be certain of bringing her game up in the T20Is, a format where she is the most threatening. If she gets rolling at the top-order, she can set India in a place to secure the three-match T20I series. Deepti Sharma has scalped nine wickets in eight T20I matches against England Women. Among the players, Smriti Mandhana has scored 317 runs in ten T20I thumps against the English side. India's Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Taniya Bhatia, Shikha Pandey, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav. India Women will confront significant difficulties in this clash. The England Women are in intense form in T20I cricket and it's anything but an exceptional exertion from the guests to snap their adversaries' series of wins.

Cricket: England Women take on India Women in a three-match T20I series

The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off&nbsp;on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol. The two teams played an energizing Test match last week which wound up in a draw. The hosts as of late reported their squad for this series and have included some new faces for the group.&nbsp;

Then again, Team India should settle on a significant choice on the initial mix with Shafali Verma included for the ODI squad interestingly. Notwithstanding, Shafali Verma has now discovered a spot in the ODI series and she can possibly set the stage ablaze. Without a doubt, Shafali Verma will open the innings close by Smriti Mandhana.&nbsp;

The last series against South Africa is verification enough of how the Indian side requirements to reexamine their batting in the middle-order and the runs need to come at an energetic speed. It is fair to say that this series against England will help India check their groundwork for the following year's World Cup.

England women, then again, will be truly happy with playing at their home conditions. Their last ODI series was against New Zealand where they won by 2-1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-west-indies-have-to-function-as-a-team-to-win-the-t20-world-cup-says-nicholas-pooran-394078" hreflang="en">Cricket: West Indies have to function as a team to win the T20 World Cup, says Nicholas Pooran</a>

<h2>Head-to-Head</h2>

Both the groups have met in 69 ODIs up until this point, of which England has won 37 matches. The Indian team arose successfully in 30 games while two games were called off.

<h2>England&nbsp;</h2>

England skipper Heather Knight has scored 2935 runs in 99 innings in her ODI vocation. She needs 65 additional runs to turn into the fourth English women cricketer to complete 3000 ODI runs.&nbsp;

Sophie Ecclestone was the highest wicket-taker in the solitary Test match, additionally, she is the highest wicket-taker for England women's against India, she has 15 wickets in nine innings up until this point.&nbsp;

England's Probable Playing XI: Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (Wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Anya Shrubsole, Katherine Brunt.&nbsp;

<h2>India&nbsp;</h2>

Mithali Raj has scored 10131 runs in her international vocation up until this point. She needs to score 143 runs in this series to go past Charlotte Edwards and become the most noteworthy run-getter in Women's cricket.&nbsp;

Shafali Verma is good to go to make her ODI debut in this game and will open the innings. She will end up being the third youngest Indian to open the innings in her debut match after Thirush Kamin, and Mithali Raj.&nbsp;

India's Probable Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Indrani Roy (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey.

The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol.

The three-match ODI series between England women's and India women's will kick-off on Sunday. The first match of the series will be played at County Ground, Bristol. The two teams played an energizing Test match last week which wound up in a draw. The hosts as of late reported their squad for this series and have included some new faces for the group. Then again, Team India should settle on a significant choice on the initial mix with Shafali Verma included for the ODI squad interestingly. Notwithstanding, Shafali Verma has now discovered a spot in the ODI series and she can possibly set the stage ablaze. Without a doubt, Shafali Verma will open the innings close by Smriti Mandhana. The last series against South Africa is verification enough of how the Indian side requirements to reexamine their batting in the middle-order and the runs need to come at an energetic speed. It is fair to say that this series against England will help India check their groundwork for the following year's World Cup. England women, then again, will be truly happy with playing at their home conditions. Their last ODI series was against New Zealand where they won by 2-1. ALSO READ: Cricket: West Indies have to function as a team to win the T20 World Cup, says Nicholas Pooran Head-to-Head Both the groups have met in 69 ODIs up until this point, of which England has won 37 matches. The Indian team arose successfully in 30 games while two games were called off. England England skipper Heather Knight has scored 2935 runs in 99 innings in her ODI vocation. She needs 65 additional runs to turn into the fourth English women cricketer to complete 3000 ODI runs. Sophie Ecclestone was the highest wicket-taker in the solitary Test match, additionally, she is the highest wicket-taker for England women's against India, she has 15 wickets in nine innings up until this point. England's Probable Playing XI: Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (Wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Anya Shrubsole, Katherine Brunt. India Mithali Raj has scored 10131 runs in her international vocation up until this point. She needs to score 143 runs in this series to go past Charlotte Edwards and become the most noteworthy run-getter in Women's cricket. Shafali Verma is good to go to make her ODI debut in this game and will open the innings. She will end up being the third youngest Indian to open the innings in her debut match after Thirush Kamin, and Mithali Raj. India's Probable Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Indrani Roy (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey.

Cricket - Preview: India Women face England Women in a three-match ODI series

Absence of experience with negotiating the end phases of a day was a significant purpose for the batting collapse India endured on the second day of the one-off Test against England Women, figures opener Smriti Mandhana.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-tom-latham-is-thankful-for-a-reserve-day-as-day-1-was-washed-out-392525" hreflang="en">WTC Final: Tom Latham is thankful for a reserve day as Day 1 was washed out</a>&nbsp;

Smriti Mandhana, a snappy left-hander, and youthful Shafali Verma had produced a strong 167-run remain with their half-centuries of years in India's reaction to the monstrous England first innings all out of 396/9.&nbsp;

Be that as it may, Team India lost five wickets in a rush to lose the plot and were ultimately compelled to follow on. In a post-match press conference after the end of Day 3, Smriti Mandhana said: &nbsp;“Definitely, a slight pressure of ending the day ‘not out’, might have played a part and that will come with experience."

“The more we play Test matches, the more we’ll get used to the conditions – one over before lunch or one over before the day’s end and all those sessions, so we can be more mature about (approaching them) and not take the pressure.”

In any case, she accused herself rather than naiveté, for her own dismissal.&nbsp;

“We aren’t used to batting beyond 50 overs. But I wouldn’t say I got out because of lack of experience in Test matches because I threw my wicket away in the last session” - she said.

Smriti Mandhana said the conditions were still useful for batting and with capable player Shafali Verma continuing forward, her side was in a decent position.&nbsp;

India were 83 for 1 at stumps on the downpour intruded on third and penultimate day in the wake of following on, as yet following by 82 runs generally with nine second-innings wickets close by.&nbsp;

“The conditions changed slightly, it was just windy. It wasn’t swinging that much. It was good to bat on though the conditions were cloudy and overcast” - she added.

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were batting on 55 and 18 individually when the final session was wiped out by a downpour. Smriti Mandhana scored eight runs in the second innings after a 78 in the first.&nbsp;

“I gave away my wicket though it was not such great a ball. I am disappointed.”&nbsp;

Smriti Mandhana was all acclaimed for youthful Shafali Verma, who missed on a ton in the primary innings by only 4 runs, saying it was noteworthy to watch her bat.&nbsp;

“We both are very similar in our approach to keep things simple, so we don’t really discuss much batting in the middle. The way she changed her game and the maturity she showed, is very positive for Indian cricket going forward. Her shots, in T20Is I’ve always watched them from the other end. I hope she keeps going the way she is.”

Absence of experience with negotiating the end phases of a day was a significant purpose for the batting collapse India endured on the second day of the one-off Test against England Women, figures opener Smriti Mandhana.

Absence of experience with negotiating the end phases of a day was a significant purpose for the batting collapse India endured on the second day of the one-off Test against England Women, figures opener Smriti Mandhana. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Tom Latham is thankful for a reserve day as Day 1 was washed out Smriti Mandhana, a snappy left-hander, and youthful Shafali Verma had produced a strong 167-run remain with their half-centuries of years in India's reaction to the monstrous England first innings all out of 396/9. Be that as it may, Team India lost five wickets in a rush to lose the plot and were ultimately compelled to follow on. In a post-match press conference after the end of Day 3, Smriti Mandhana said: “Definitely, a slight pressure of ending the day ‘not out’, might have played a part and that will come with experience." “The more we play Test matches, the more we’ll get used to the conditions – one over before lunch or one over before the day’s end and all those sessions, so we can be more mature about (approaching them) and not take the pressure.” In any case, she accused herself rather than naiveté, for her own dismissal. “We aren’t used to batting beyond 50 overs. But I wouldn’t say I got out because of lack of experience in Test matches because I threw my wicket away in the last session” - she said. Smriti Mandhana said the conditions were still useful for batting and with capable player Shafali Verma continuing forward, her side was in a decent position. India were 83 for 1 at stumps on the downpour intruded on third and penultimate day in the wake of following on, as yet following by 82 runs generally with nine second-innings wickets close by. “The conditions changed slightly, it was just windy. It wasn’t swinging that much. It was good to bat on though the conditions were cloudy and overcast” - she added. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma were batting on 55 and 18 individually when the final session was wiped out by a downpour. Smriti Mandhana scored eight runs in the second innings after a 78 in the first. “I gave away my wicket though it was not such great a ball. I am disappointed.” Smriti Mandhana was all acclaimed for youthful Shafali Verma, who missed on a ton in the primary innings by only 4 runs, saying it was noteworthy to watch her bat. “We both are very similar in our approach to keep things simple, so we don’t really discuss much batting in the middle. The way she changed her game and the maturity she showed, is very positive for Indian cricket going forward. Her shots, in T20Is I’ve always watched them from the other end. I hope she keeps going the way she is.”

Cricket: Need more Test match experience to avoid collapses, says Smriti Mandhana

The Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal has said that playing the Hundred in England this year will help the Indian women cricketers acquire incredible experience for what's to come.&nbsp;

He says, playing in England will prove to be useful in front of the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand one year from now. This is on the grounds that the conditions in the United Kingdom are really like New Zealand.&nbsp;

The BCCI has conceded consent to five ladies cricketers, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma to participate in the Hundred.

The Board of Control for&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;in India&nbsp;does not permit its male players to take part in overseas franchises-based classes, however, the test experts have played county&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;in England.&nbsp;

The debut version of the 100-ball contest, which highlights eight franchises with independent men's and women's groups, starts at The Oval on July 21.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have also previously played in Australia's Big Bash League Twenty20 competition.

"The idea is for them to get exposure in England," BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Reuters.

"Some of our boys have played county&nbsp;cricket, and that has given them a great opportunity and exposure. We want to take women's&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;forward similarly.

"These experiences will definitely come in handy in the World Cup next year."

Following a year without international&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian women's team played a series with South Africa for a limited-overs format in March and the timetable out of the blue looks considerably more involved.&nbsp;

Mithali Raj will play their first test in a long time when they face England in Bristol, with the visit in a like manner including three one-dayers and three T20 matches.&nbsp;

India will play their woman pink-ball test in Australia not long from now and there could be more unique in September-October if the BCCI can arrange the Women's T20 Challenge in the United Arab Emirates.

The BCCI treasurer officer likewise spoke about the plans for facilitating the current year's version of the Women's T20 Challenge. After an effective spat the most recent three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has projected vulnerability about the competition being arranged.&nbsp;

Arun Dhumal said that the BCCI is thinking about facilitating the ladies' T20 competition alongside the forthcoming leg of IPL in the UAE.

"We're trying to figure out if that can be played with the UAE leg of the IPL," Dhumal said.

"Hopefully we'll get a window. We'll have to see venue availability as well."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal has said that playing the Hundred in England this year will help the Indian women cricketers acquire incredible experience for what's to come.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal has said that playing the Hundred in England this year will help the Indian women cricketers acquire incredible experience for what's to come. He says, playing in England will prove to be useful in front of the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand one year from now. This is on the grounds that the conditions in the United Kingdom are really like New Zealand. The BCCI has conceded consent to five ladies cricketers, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma to participate in the Hundred. The Board of Control for Cricket in India does not permit its male players to take part in overseas franchises-based classes, however, the test experts have played county cricket in England. The debut version of the 100-ball contest, which highlights eight franchises with independent men's and women's groups, starts at The Oval on July 21. Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have also previously played in Australia's Big Bash League Twenty20 competition. "The idea is for them to get exposure in England," BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Reuters. "Some of our boys have played county cricket, and that has given them a great opportunity and exposure. We want to take women's cricket forward similarly. "These experiences will definitely come in handy in the World Cup next year." Following a year without international cricket due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian women's team played a series with South Africa for a limited-overs format in March and the timetable out of the blue looks considerably more involved. Mithali Raj will play their first test in a long time when they face England in Bristol, with the visit in a like manner including three one-dayers and three T20 matches. India will play their woman pink-ball test in Australia not long from now and there could be more unique in September-October if the BCCI can arrange the Women's T20 Challenge in the United Arab Emirates. The BCCI treasurer officer likewise spoke about the plans for facilitating the current year's version of the Women's T20 Challenge. After an effective spat the most recent three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has projected vulnerability about the competition being arranged. Arun Dhumal said that the BCCI is thinking about facilitating the ladies' T20 competition alongside the forthcoming leg of IPL in the UAE. "We're trying to figure out if that can be played with the UAE leg of the IPL," Dhumal said. "Hopefully we'll get a window. We'll have to see venue availability as well."

Cricket: Hundred experience will boost India women's World Cup hopes: BCCI official

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave. <o:p></o:p>

According to a report in ANI, NOCs have been granted to five women players to participate in The Hundred. <o:p></o:p>

“The NOC has already been given to both Harmanpreet and Smriti. Harmanpreet will represent Manchester Originals while Smriti will play for Southern Brave in the inaugural edition of the competition," a source told ANI.<o:p></o:p>

The report also stated that teen sensation Shafali Verma will also be seen playing in The Hundred after being granted NOC by the BCCI. The swashbuckling opener will be seen playing for Birmingham Phoenix.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-win-2nd-test-against-zimbabwe-by-innings-to-secure-series-384056" hreflang="en">Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series</a><o:p></o:p>

"It is delightful news not just for Shafali but for Indian women's cricket that there will be five Indian players in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. She will reunite with her Sydney Sixers coach Ben Sawyer and the experience should help her grow further in what has already been a very positive road forward for the youngster," the source told ANI. <o:p></o:p>

Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues are the other two Indian cricketers who have been handed the NOC by the BCCI to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The 100-ball tournament, the brainchild of ECB, will be feature eight teams.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-gets-his-first-covid-19-vaccine-jab-urges-others-to-get-vaccinated-384049" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated</a>

The first match in the competition will be played between the women's teams of Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals on July 21. <o:p></o:p>

Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemimah, and Deepti were the Indian players who had played in the now-defunct Kia Super League (KSL), ECB's domestic T20 tournament. The inaugural season of The Hundred was set to be played last year, but it got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave.

India women’s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will be seen playing in upcoming edition of The Hundred. While Harmanpreet is set to represent Manchester Originals, Mandhana will be seen playing for Southern Brave. According to a report in ANI, NOCs have been granted to five women players to participate in The Hundred. “The NOC has already been given to both Harmanpreet and Smriti. Harmanpreet will represent Manchester Originals while Smriti will play for Southern Brave in the inaugural edition of the competition," a source told ANI. The report also stated that teen sensation Shafali Verma will also be seen playing in The Hundred after being granted NOC by the BCCI. The swashbuckling opener will be seen playing for Birmingham Phoenix. ALSO READ: Pakistan win 2nd Test against Zimbabwe by innings to secure series "It is delightful news not just for Shafali but for Indian women's cricket that there will be five Indian players in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. She will reunite with her Sydney Sixers coach Ben Sawyer and the experience should help her grow further in what has already been a very positive road forward for the youngster," the source told ANI. Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues are the other two Indian cricketers who have been handed the NOC by the BCCI to play in the inaugural edition of The Hundred. The 100-ball tournament, the brainchild of ECB, will be feature eight teams. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli gets his first COVID-19 vaccine jab, urges others to get vaccinated The first match in the competition will be played between the women's teams of Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals on July 21. Harmanpreet, Smriti, Jemimah, and Deepti were the Indian players who had played in the now-defunct Kia Super League (KSL), ECB's domestic T20 tournament. The inaugural season of The Hundred was set to be played last year, but it got postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Hundred: Smriti Mandhana to play for Southern Brave, Harmanpreet to represent Manchester Originals

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out of the first women's T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, set to start from March 20 in Lucknow, due to the hip-flexor injury she picked up in the final ODI against the same outfit&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;Vice-captain Smriti&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;confirmed the development on Friday&nbsp;ahead of the first T20I.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"She (Harmanpreet) is out of tomorrow's match and the rest of the update on her condition will be given by the medical team,"&nbsp;Mandhana, a left-handed opener, said during a virtual pre-match press conference.&nbsp;

India&nbsp;were&nbsp;completely dominated by South Africa in the women's ODI series as the visitors won it 1-4. However,&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;said that the players will not keep the ODI series in mind when taking the field for the T20Is.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We will try to forget the ODIs and focus on the T20 series. Yes, the ODI series was a disappointment but we need to forget that and move ahead. Some new faces have come in the team, so we need to think fresh,"&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"We had a discussion on how to go about our preparation, what went wrong in the ODI series and how to go forward. We now need to concentrate on the T20s. We are now looking at the ODI series as a preparation for T20 series."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mandhana&nbsp;further said that the team is working hard to improve their fielding following a sloppy show in the field during the five-ODI series.&nbsp;

"We have been in the process in the last 3-4 years. Few catches have dropped in the&nbsp;ODIs, but we need to get on with a fresh mind in the T20 series and leave behind the ODI series disappointment," she said. She also pointed out that the spinners, India's biggest strength, need to pull up their socks in the T20 series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Spinners are our biggest&nbsp;strength. Definitely, they (spinners) were not bad but inconsistent in their bowling (in the ODI series). But if we keep pitching the ball in the same areas, it will become difficult for batters,"&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6b9d1918-a796-4787-80d5-57a7e5f7269e}{192}" paraid="1569870001" >India Women vs South Africa Women T20I series - Full Schedule&nbsp;</h2>

India Women vs South Africa Women - 1st T20I: March 20 in Lucknow&nbsp;

India Women vs South Africa Women - 2nd T20I: March 21 in Lucknow&nbsp;

India Women vs South Africa Women - 3rd T20I: March 23 in Lucknow&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out of the first women's T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, set to start from March 20 in Lucknow, due to the hip-flexor injury she picked up in the final ODI against the same outfit on Wednesday.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been ruled out of the first women's T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, set to start from March 20 in Lucknow, due to the hip-flexor injury she picked up in the final ODI against the same outfit on Wednesday. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana confirmed the development on Friday ahead of the first T20I. "She (Harmanpreet) is out of tomorrow's match and the rest of the update on her condition will be given by the medical team," Mandhana, a left-handed opener, said during a virtual pre-match press conference. India were completely dominated by South Africa in the women's ODI series as the visitors won it 1-4. However, Mandhana said that the players will not keep the ODI series in mind when taking the field for the T20Is. "We will try to forget the ODIs and focus on the T20 series. Yes, the ODI series was a disappointment but we need to forget that and move ahead. Some new faces have come in the team, so we need to think fresh," Mandhana said. ALSO READ: Tweak the rules or else cricket's 'soft-signal' will end up as football's 'VAR' "We had a discussion on how to go about our preparation, what went wrong in the ODI series and how to go forward. We now need to concentrate on the T20s. We are now looking at the ODI series as a preparation for T20 series." Mandhana further said that the team is working hard to improve their fielding following a sloppy show in the field during the five-ODI series. "We have been in the process in the last 3-4 years. Few catches have dropped in the ODIs, but we need to get on with a fresh mind in the T20 series and leave behind the ODI series disappointment," she said. She also pointed out that the spinners, India's biggest strength, need to pull up their socks in the T20 series. "Spinners are our biggest strength. Definitely, they (spinners) were not bad but inconsistent in their bowling (in the ODI series). But if we keep pitching the ball in the same areas, it will become difficult for batters," Mandhana said. India Women vs South Africa Women T20I series - Full Schedule India Women vs South Africa Women - 1st T20I: March 20 in Lucknow India Women vs South Africa Women - 2nd T20I: March 21 in Lucknow India Women vs South Africa Women - 3rd T20I: March 23 in Lucknow

Harmanpreet Kaur ruled out of 1st T20I vs South Africa, Smriti Mandhana to lead

Batswoman Smriti&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;on Tuesday guided India Women to a thumping nine-wicket win against South Africa Women with a power-packed&nbsp;80-run unbeaten knock off 64 deliveries laced with 10 boundaries and three sixes&nbsp;in Lucknow. With another WODI half-century to her name,&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;became the first player (women or men) to score 50+ runs in ten consecutive ODI chases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interestingly,&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;has registered 50+ runs in every WODI chases starting from 2018&nbsp;where the swashbuckling batswoman smashed 67 runs off 53 deliveries against Australia Woman in&nbsp;Vadodara.&nbsp;

Since then,&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;has scored 52, 86, 53*, 73*, 105, 90*, 63, 74 and 80* to become the first player ever to&nbsp;register the iconic record to her name.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a disappointing start to the WODI series against South Africa, where the southpaw&nbsp;departed&nbsp;for 14 off 20&nbsp;as India went on to lose&nbsp;the first match by 8 wickets. However, she was back at her best in the second match as she hammered 80 off 64&nbsp;to take India to a thumping win.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-jhulan-goswamis-spirit-of-cricket-moment-with-south-africas-nadine-de-klerk-369110" hreflang="en">WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk</a>

South Africa Women, batting first, were restricted to 157 runs in 41 overs as veteran pacer&nbsp;Jhulan&nbsp;Goswami wreaked havoc with the ball by picking four wickets. Rajeshwari Gayakwad ended up with three scalps while Mansi Joshi bagged two wickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the visitors, Lada Goodall scored 49 while skipper Sune Luss managed 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India Women lost opener Jemimah Rodrigues for 9 but&nbsp;Mandhana&nbsp;along with Punam Raut (62* off 89) took the hosts over the winning line.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dad-will-definitely-washington-sundar-reacts-to-wasim-jaffers-tweet-on-ishant-siraj-369093" hreflang="en">'Dad will definitely...': Washington Sundar reacts to Wasim Jaffer's tweet on Ishant, Siraj</a>

Goswami revealed that there wasn't much discussion about the match after India's defeat to South Africa in the first WODI as the veteran said that they wanted to focus on the basics.&nbsp;

“We didn't discuss the defeat much. We wanted to focus on the basics and get back to shape as quickly as possible. We worked on the basics and it showed on the field,” said&nbsp;Jhulan&nbsp;Goswami&nbsp;

Batswoman Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday guided India Women to a thumping nine-wicket win against South Africa Women with a power-packed 80-run unbeaten knock off 64 deliveries laced with 10 boundaries and three sixes in Lucknow.

Batswoman Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday guided India Women to a thumping nine-wicket win against South Africa Women with a power-packed 80-run unbeaten knock off 64 deliveries laced with 10 boundaries and three sixes in Lucknow. With another WODI half-century to her name, Mandhana became the first player (women or men) to score 50+ runs in ten consecutive ODI chases. Interestingly, Mandhana has registered 50+ runs in every WODI chases starting from 2018 where the swashbuckling batswoman smashed 67 runs off 53 deliveries against Australia Woman in Vadodara. Since then, Mandhana has scored 52, 86, 53*, 73*, 105, 90*, 63, 74 and 80* to become the first player ever to register the iconic record to her name. After a disappointing start to the WODI series against South Africa, where the southpaw departed for 14 off 20 as India went on to lose the first match by 8 wickets. However, she was back at her best in the second match as she hammered 80 off 64 to take India to a thumping win. TRENDING: WATCH: Jhulan Goswami's 'Spirit of Cricket' moment with South Africa's Nadine de Klerk South Africa Women, batting first, were restricted to 157 runs in 41 overs as veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami wreaked havoc with the ball by picking four wickets. Rajeshwari Gayakwad ended up with three scalps while Mansi Joshi bagged two wickets. For the visitors, Lada Goodall scored 49 while skipper Sune Luss managed 36. India Women lost opener Jemimah Rodrigues for 9 but Mandhana along with Punam Raut (62* off 89) took the hosts over the winning line. ALSO READ: 'Dad will definitely...': Washington Sundar reacts to Wasim Jaffer's tweet on Ishant, Siraj Goswami revealed that there wasn't much discussion about the match after India's defeat to South Africa in the first WODI as the veteran said that they wanted to focus on the basics. “We didn't discuss the defeat much. We wanted to focus on the basics and get back to shape as quickly as possible. We worked on the basics and it showed on the field,” said Jhulan Goswami

Smriti Mandhana becomes first-ever player to score 50+ in 10 consecutive ODI chases

Women's T20 Challenge: From Smriti Mandhana to Mithali Raj, players arrive at UAE in full PPE kits

Following India's phenomenal run in the recently concluded ICC Women's T20 World Cup, women's cricket was looking at an unprecedented rise in popularity and craze.

Following India's phenomenal run in the recently concluded ICC Women's T20 World Cup, women's cricket was looking at an unprecedented rise in popularity and craze. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have wiped out the entire sporting calendar. Sportspersons have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to keep themselves fit with absolutely no live sporting action happening, at the moment. Ace Indian batswoman, Smriti Mandhana, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, opened up on her love for batting, life in lockdown, rapport with Jemimah Rodrigues, bucket list as Red Bull athlete, experience in Women's T20 World Cup and more. × Digvijay Singh Deo: Smriti, welcome to the show. I must start by asking you about the campaign I saw a few days ago the Team Mask Force. That campaign also had the who’s who of Indian cricket with Sachin, Sourav, Rahul joining the current team. It is also an indication of how much the stock of the Women’s team has risen in recent years to find you, Mithali and Harmanpreet there. Five years back this wasn’t possible. Smriti: Yes, there has been a massive growth in women's cricket in the country, especially after the 2017 ODI World Cup. Regarding the campaign, I think it is necessary to motivate the citizens to do something to wear a mask in the current climate. I'm delighted to be part of such an initiative undertaken by the government. I had no idea that legends of the game, like Sachin Tendulkar, would be a part of the campaign. So it's special to be involved in something like this. Five years ago, we probably wouldn't have been able to share any stage with our male counterparts, but it just shows how much the game has grown in India. Members of our team are recognizable faces and I think women's cricket in India is going through a good phase. DSD: So talking of mask warriors how has this last one month been for you. What has the schedule been like? I did read that you are playing online Ludo with your teammates. Smriti: After the T20 World Cup in March, we were supposed to take a two-week break after a long season, it was a very busy schedule in the previous six months. But who would have thought that the two-week break would extend into a full-fledged lockdown for months. I think now since we have been at home for a while, all of us have found different ways of entertaining ourselves. Ludo is something we enjoy playing because we can also talk to each other while the game is on. So it's also a good way to keep in touch with each other. But the last ten days, Jemimah Rodrigues and I have been doing a show called 'double trouble', so that has kept me busy and it feels good to be finally doing something constructive during the lockdown. I was getting bored sitting at home and not being able to do much. DSD: You share a great rapport with Jemima Rodrigues. Like you, she is another young prodigy who is finding her feet at the top level. What sort of camaraderie do you share and tell me a bit more about this show? Smriti: Jemimah and I share a great bond. We didn't know each other before Jemimah came into the team about two years back, but we were roommates for the first 4 or 5 months and we really hit it off. We share a lot of memories, both on and off the pitch. So one day we were just reminiscing about the times we have spent together and thought it would be a good idea to make a fun show. I don't think we've had a show like this where active athletes discuss things in a candid manner. Since we keep troubling each other, we thought it would be apt to call the show 'double trouble'. DSD: Through this lockdown period we have seen the greats of modern-day sport come up with challenges for their fans, be it Roger Federer or the 100-volley challenge by Andy Murray and Kim Sears. How important is it for you to engage with fans in these times? Smriti: Yes, fans usually are only able to see one side of us athletes. But if we interact and engage with them through social media, they will be able to get a glimpse of how we spend time off the field. So hopefully with the show, we can entertain the fans with our stories and anecdotes than viewers can relate to. We will have fellow athletes as guests as well, so it should be something that everyone will enjoy. View this post on Instagram Was just practicing social distancing P.S: Waise aur option bhi kya hai A post shared by Smriti Mandhana (@smriti_mandhana) on Apr 7, 2020 at 4:36am PDT × DSD: Now you are a Red Bull athlete as well. One of the hallmarks of a Red Bull athlete is to constantly challenge the odds...So does Smriti Mandhana have a bucket list, cliff diving, jumping out of a plane, perhaps even off-roading. Smriti: Unfortunately in our BCCI contracts, we have a clause which does not allow us to take part in any extreme sport. But there is a lot of work that red bull does with formula one. I would love to be part of any F1 event since I love motorsport. Red bull has a state of the art performance centre and so many top athletes across sports are associated with them. So even if I just get the opportunity to interact with any of the sportspersons, it would be a great learning experience for me. Till I'm playing cricket for India, I'm not sure if I'll be able to skydive from a plane. View this post on Instagram Happiness is contagious#goodvibes A post shared by Smriti Mandhana (@smriti_mandhana) on Feb 8, 2020 at 4:09am PST × DSD: I love the way you go about your cricket, you play fearlessly if the ball is there to be hit you hit it. Describe your mental approach to an innings. Smriti: I like to keep things very simple. In the past when I've tried to overthink my strategy, it has never worked. So an over-analytical approach for the game has never helped me perform well. I treat every delivery with the merit it deserves and has enough confidence in my ability to deal with the challenge. The mental preparation for me is just to keep my eyes on the ball and play accordingly, that is when I feel best about my batting. If the day comes when I feel that this approach is not paying dividends, then I will tweak my preparation, but at the moment I am comfortable with my process and don't want to unnecessarily overthink it. If the ball is in the slot and meant to be hit, then I strike it. It's as simple as that. DSD: The dramatic explosion of the coronavirus sort of made us forget the T20 World Cup very fast. Have you managed to overcome the hurt of falling at the final hurdle? Smriti: The final loss really hurt us a lot as a team. Especially because it was a huge match and we lost the chance of picking up a trophy. But now I have tried to move on from that defeat. I have to look at it from the perspective of a learning experience. Over the last few years, we have lost a few big matches, including the 2017 world cup final. But you cannot dwell on the past, I must look towards the future in figure out ways in which I can improve and help the team. So my goal is to improve aspects of my game and be ready for the next tournament. DSD: What does a loss like this teach a team, the good teams always rebound from tough defeats. Pankaj Advani our 23-time World Champion said something very pertinent to me some time back that sport gives you second chances, life as we are seeing right now does not. Smriti: Failure is a better teacher than success. You can learn more from a bad patch of form than a big score. After the final, none of us spoke much to each other, all of us were dealing with the disappointment in our own space. As a team, the defeat especially hurt because we weren't able to put up a fight. So hopefully we can learn from the match, and go one better in a world cup final next time. DSD: What we are seeing with the women’s team though is the emergence of a young bunch of players who hopefully will be together for a long time. Is that the missing piece of the jigsaw Smriti; the nucleus is there, we just have to be patient. Smriti: Our average age is just 23 and that is something to be proud of. I think we were one of the youngest teams in the tournament and our performances throughout the campaign, barring the final, were excellent. I think if these teams sticks together for the next 3-4 years, the sky is the limit for us. The talent is definitely present and if we are able to work hard and learn from our mistakes, then we will undoubtedly win major tournaments. DSD: Now one thing a lot of us were looking forward to was the Women’s T20 Challenge on the sidelines of the IPL. Sadly, the IPL has been indefinitely postponed but this must have been fun of playing a televised tournament alongside the IPL. Smriti: We had a two-team challenge tournament in 2018, and last year it increased to three teams. The final last year in Jaipur drew a packed crowd, so the game is moving the right direction. This year I was really excited because the tournament was supposed to be a four-team affair, but unfortunately, it can't take place. I think we are not yet ready for an eight-team Women's IPL, but there is potential for a 4-6 team to participate in an event. I'm confident that whenever we reach that stage of hosting a Women's IPL, it is going to be a huge push for women's cricket in India. It will also help our team to prepare for big events like the world cup. I'm sure the BCCI has a long term plan in mind for the Women's IPL and they won't be rushed into a decision. View this post on Instagram After batting for 5 hours wondering when will I get to bat next . . Thanks for the trendy helmet @redbullindia ;) A post shared by Smriti Mandhana (@smriti_mandhana) on Jun 17, 2019 at 8:40pm PDT × DSD: What has been the most important cricketing advice that was given to you by someone you look up to. Smriti: After the 2017 ODI World Cup, I had a bad run of 17 matches where I didn't score big runs. I was obviously worried about my form and was a bit hassled. At that time, my parents reminded me of the time when I used to play cricket purely for the joy of the game when I was a kid. They told me to think about that time and try to ignore all the external pressures of being an international cricketer. I think enjoying the game is very important and I have tried to do that over the past few years, regardless of my performance. That piece of advice has taken a bit of the burden of my shoulders and given me a bit more freedom. There was a time I could not walk for three months because of an injury, so I cherish the fact that I am able to play cricket for a living. DSD: I want to end this interview on an optimistic note so what is the one thing you want to do when this lockdown ends? Smriti: Batting. It is something that gives me a lot of joy. It's just not a sport for me, it is what I live for. The feeling I get when I strike a ball sweetly is like no other. Nothing else can give me the feeling of holding the bat and walking out to play. So that's the first thing I would like to do once this crisis dies down. But I realise the gravity of the prevailing situation and I hope we can overcome this pandemic as soon as possible.

Exclusive: 'Cricket is just not a sport for me, it is what I live for' - Smriti Mandhana opens up on her love for the game, rapport with Jemimah and much more

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-can-indian-womens-cricket-team-repeat-an-83-281967" hreflang="en">ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?</a>

They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

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It is time for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> opener 😎😎 
 
Let's get back behind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/uuXdD1pEtr">pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr</a>
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen/status/1230753990331129856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning.&nbsp;

Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 
1). 2009 
2). 2010 
3). 2018

Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament:&nbsp; 
1). 2012 
2). 2014 
3). 2016

India's fixture:&nbsp; 
India vs Australia, February 21&nbsp; 
India vs Bangladesh, February 24&nbsp; 
India vs New Zealand, February 27&nbsp; 
India vs Sri Lanka, February 29

The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.&nbsp;

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy. It is time for the #T20WorldCup opener 😎😎 Let's get back behind #TeamIndia 🇮🇳🇮🇳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2020 × Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning. Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 1). 2009 2). 2010 3). 2018 Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament: 1). 2012 2). 2014 3). 2016 India's fixture: India vs Australia, February 21 India vs Bangladesh, February 24 India vs New Zealand, February 27 India vs Sri Lanka, February 29 The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.

Indian women's cricket team begins ICC World Cup campaign against Australia

As Women's T20 World Cup is about to start, fans across the country just have one question on their mind, can the Indian side replicate the feat of Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup-winning squad?

In 1983, The Indian team had defeated an invincible West Indies in the finals to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time. After the win, cricket got a fillip in the country, elevating the sport to religion for fans with every child wanting to become a cricketer.

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Wow, Jemimah Rodrigues looks in some serious form ahead of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> opener tonight 🙌 
 
The way she holds the pose after some of these drives is 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/YJ46rWK23b">pic.twitter.com/YJ46rWK23b</a>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1230703762701873152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the final against West Indies, India had scored 183 runs after being put in to bat. Krishnamachari Srikkanth top-scored for India with a knock of 38 runs and Andy Roberts took the maximum wickets for West Indies as he sent three batsmen to the pavilion. West Indies, in its chase, failed to leave a mark as both Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath scalped three wickets and bundled them out for 140 runs, handing India a win by 43 runs.

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Just hours to go for the start of the Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 🎆 
 
Who's excited? 🙋 
 
Last tickets released for tonight's opening match and celebration. Adults from $20, kids just $5 at <a href="https://t.co/oBabmfwB80">https://t.co/oBabmfwB80</a> <a href="https://t.co/3CRDfxWLK1">pic.twitter.com/3CRDfxWLK1</a>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1230669724989698048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Now talking about the women's side, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team has the best chance of winning their first ICC title. Apart from Australia and England, India is being viewed as the prime favourites to win the title.

The team has a perfect balance of youngsters and experienced campaigners. Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh would be playing their first World Cup and they would rely on experienced campaigners like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana.

No one likes to compare men's and women's cricketers, but the 23-year-old Mandhana is now the lynchpin of the Indian side and is viewed as Virat Kohli of the women's game by many.

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Just hours to go for the start of the Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> 🎆 
 
Who's excited? 🙋 
 
Last tickets released for tonight's opening match and celebration. Adults from $20, kids just $5 at <a href="https://t.co/oBabmfwB80">https://t.co/oBabmfwB80</a> <a href="https://t.co/3CRDfxWLK1">pic.twitter.com/3CRDfxWLK1</a>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1230669724989698048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mandhana has the record for registering fastest fifty by an Indian batswoman in the T20I format and her along with Shafali Verma will look to give the Indian side a fast start at the top.

Sixteen-year-old Shafali Verma has taken the global sport by storm. She has a playing style similar to that of Virender Sehwag, as she relies majorly on scoring boundaries. In the recent women's tri-series, the youngster hit a straight six off Australia's bowler and the shot went viral on social media.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the most experienced Indian batswoman will give stability to the middle order and will look to finish off matches. India's lower-order has failed to rise to the occasion, so it would be interesting to see how the side manages to cope if Mandhana and Harmanpreet fail.

In terms of bowling, India looks the most settled as the side has a perfect combination of spin and pace. Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma are known for spinning a cob-web around the opposition batters and the trio has an ability to defend modest totals.

India has a big challenge ahead of them in the first match, as the team would lock horns with hosts and defending champions Australia. The side managed to reach the finals of ICC 50-over World Cup in 2017. They also went to the semis of the 2018 T20 Women's World cup, but now, can they go all the way to bring a major title for the women's sport in the country?

As Women's T20 World Cup is about to start, fans across the country just have one question on their mind, can the Indian side replicate the feat of Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup-winning squad?

As Women's T20 World Cup is about to start, fans across the country just have one question on their mind, can the Indian side replicate the feat of Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup-winning squad? In 1983, The Indian team had defeated an invincible West Indies in the finals to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time. After the win, cricket got a fillip in the country, elevating the sport to religion for fans with every child wanting to become a cricketer. Wow, Jemimah Rodrigues looks in some serious form ahead of the #T20WorldCup opener tonight 🙌 The way she holds the pose after some of these drives is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YJ46rWK23b — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 21, 2020 × In the final against West Indies, India had scored 183 runs after being put in to bat. Krishnamachari Srikkanth top-scored for India with a knock of 38 runs and Andy Roberts took the maximum wickets for West Indies as he sent three batsmen to the pavilion. West Indies, in its chase, failed to leave a mark as both Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath scalped three wickets and bundled them out for 140 runs, handing India a win by 43 runs. Just hours to go for the start of the Women's #T20WorldCup 🎆 Who's excited? 🙋 Last tickets released for tonight's opening match and celebration. Adults from $20, kids just $5 at https://t.co/oBabmfwB80 pic.twitter.com/3CRDfxWLK1 — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 21, 2020 × Now talking about the women's side, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team has the best chance of winning their first ICC title. Apart from Australia and England, India is being viewed as the prime favourites to win the title. The team has a perfect balance of youngsters and experienced campaigners. Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh would be playing their first World Cup and they would rely on experienced campaigners like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. No one likes to compare men's and women's cricketers, but the 23-year-old Mandhana is now the lynchpin of the Indian side and is viewed as Virat Kohli of the women's game by many. Just hours to go for the start of the Women's #T20WorldCup 🎆 Who's excited? 🙋 Last tickets released for tonight's opening match and celebration. Adults from $20, kids just $5 at https://t.co/oBabmfwB80 pic.twitter.com/3CRDfxWLK1 — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 21, 2020 × Mandhana has the record for registering fastest fifty by an Indian batswoman in the T20I format and her along with Shafali Verma will look to give the Indian side a fast start at the top. Sixteen-year-old Shafali Verma has taken the global sport by storm. She has a playing style similar to that of Virender Sehwag, as she relies majorly on scoring boundaries. In the recent women's tri-series, the youngster hit a straight six off Australia's bowler and the shot went viral on social media. Harmanpreet Kaur, the most experienced Indian batswoman will give stability to the middle order and will look to finish off matches. India's lower-order has failed to rise to the occasion, so it would be interesting to see how the side manages to cope if Mandhana and Harmanpreet fail. In terms of bowling, India looks the most settled as the side has a perfect combination of spin and pace. Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma are known for spinning a cob-web around the opposition batters and the trio has an ability to defend modest totals. India has a big challenge ahead of them in the first match, as the team would lock horns with hosts and defending champions Australia. The side managed to reach the finals of ICC 50-over World Cup in 2017. They also went to the semis of the 2018 T20 Women's World cup, but now, can they go all the way to bring a major title for the women's sport in the country?

ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs in finals of the tri-nation women's T20 series in Melbourne on Wednesday and clinched the series win. What a spell that was from Jess Jonassen to power Australia to victory in the tri-series final over India 👏 pic.

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs in finals of the tri-nation women's T20 series in Melbourne on Wednesday and clinched the series win. What a spell that was from Jess Jonassen to power Australia to victory in the tri-series final over India 👏 pic.twitter.com/RHwbPIluFa — ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2020 × Indian opener Smriti Mandhana's quickfire 66 runs off 37 balls was overpowered by Australian spinner Jess Jonassen's five-wicket haul which helped Australia defend a challenging total. Australia won the toss and chose to bat. Beth Mooney scored the most for the team (71 runs). Australia made good use of the last over. India's Rajeshwari Gayakwad conceded 19 runs in the final over. Australia have reduced India to 69/3 at the halfway mark, with Tayla Vlaeminck claiming two key wickets! Can India fight back? Follow #AUSvIND 👉 https://t.co/cocffiMMUe pic.twitter.com/15THXQbxTD — ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2020 × Indian women's Smriti Mandhana scored the most for India, at one point India was 115 for the loss of 3 wickets in the 15th over, but after Smriti Mandhana and Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur wickets in consecutive overs shattered the Indian hopes. India was all-out on144 runs in 20 overs. Jess Jonassen was adjudged the Player of the match after her match deciding five-wicket haul. Beth Mooney's fertile run-scoring performance earned her the Player of the Series. The Tri-nation series consisted of Australia, India and England. All the teams won and lost two matches. Playing XI: Australia: Alyssa Healy (wk), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning (c), Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh, Shikha Pandey, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav

Australian women's team beat India by 11 runs to clinch Tri-nation T20 series

Jemimah Rodrigues has become the third Indian batter to play Kia Super League (KSL) after Yorkshire Diamonds signed her for the upcoming fourth and final edition of the league.

Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur are the other two Indian cricketers who have competed in the history of this T20 league hosted in England.

Diamonds announced its 15-member squad which also features big names including Australia wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy and England fast bowler Katherine Brunt.

The 18-year-old, who made her international debut in February 2018, has a strike rate of 123.57 in just 25 T20Is.

Recently, the batting all-rounder had an impressive stint in a three-match ODI series in the backyard of New Zealand, scoring a career-best unbeaten 81 which helped India secure a 2-1 series victory.

Mumbai-born Rodrigues played for Harmanpreet-led Supernovas in the Women's T20 Challenge in Jaipur and was named Player of the Tournament after amassing 123 runs in three matches.

Former England off-spinner Danielle Hazell replaced Paul Grayson, who has taken on the role of men`s batting coach, to become Yorkshire Diamonds'&nbsp;coach.

Hazell played for the Diamonds in the first year of the KSL but left the team to captain Lancashire Thunder for the last two years before retiring as a player.

In three years of the KSL so far, the Diamonds have not qualified for Finals Day."

Over the last few years, Yorkshire, a massive county, have probably underperformed in the Super League. We've now got a chance to put it right in the final year of the competition as it is now," Hazell said in a statement.

"Hopefully some good signings and good performances can achieve that. I believe it's a good squad and one of the strongest I've seen at the Diamonds. We're pretty happy with it," the Diamonds coach added.

The 2019 KSL, which will be replaced by the Hundred from 2020, will start on August 6 and will see six teams - Lancashire Thunder, Loughborough Lightning, Western Storm, Surrey Stars, Yorkshire Diamonds, Southern Vipers - playing each other twice in a league format.

The top three teams qualify for finals day on September 1, with the second and third-placed sides competing for the chance to face the first-place league winners in the final. Southern Vipers, Western Storm, and Surrey Stars have won the tournament once each in 2016, 2017, 2018, respectively.

Jemimah Rodrigues has become the third Indian batter to play Kia Super League (KSL) after Yorkshire Diamonds signed her for the upcoming fourth and final edition of the league.

Jemimah Rodrigues has become the third Indian batter to play Kia Super League (KSL) after Yorkshire Diamonds signed her for the upcoming fourth and final edition of the league. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur are the other two Indian cricketers who have competed in the history of this T20 league hosted in England. Diamonds announced its 15-member squad which also features big names including Australia wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy and England fast bowler Katherine Brunt. The 18-year-old, who made her international debut in February 2018, has a strike rate of 123.57 in just 25 T20Is. Recently, the batting all-rounder had an impressive stint in a three-match ODI series in the backyard of New Zealand, scoring a career-best unbeaten 81 which helped India secure a 2-1 series victory. Mumbai-born Rodrigues played for Harmanpreet-led Supernovas in the Women's T20 Challenge in Jaipur and was named Player of the Tournament after amassing 123 runs in three matches. Former England off-spinner Danielle Hazell replaced Paul Grayson, who has taken on the role of men`s batting coach, to become Yorkshire Diamonds' coach. Hazell played for the Diamonds in the first year of the KSL but left the team to captain Lancashire Thunder for the last two years before retiring as a player. In three years of the KSL so far, the Diamonds have not qualified for Finals Day." Over the last few years, Yorkshire, a massive county, have probably underperformed in the Super League. We've now got a chance to put it right in the final year of the competition as it is now," Hazell said in a statement. "Hopefully some good signings and good performances can achieve that. I believe it's a good squad and one of the strongest I've seen at the Diamonds. We're pretty happy with it," the Diamonds coach added. The 2019 KSL, which will be replaced by the Hundred from 2020, will start on August 6 and will see six teams - Lancashire Thunder, Loughborough Lightning, Western Storm, Surrey Stars, Yorkshire Diamonds, Southern Vipers - playing each other twice in a league format. The top three teams qualify for finals day on September 1, with the second and third-placed sides competing for the chance to face the first-place league winners in the final. Southern Vipers, Western Storm, and Surrey Stars have won the tournament once each in 2016, 2017, 2018, respectively.

Jemimah Rodrigues becomes third Indian to play Kia Super League

"It has been a long time since we have seen women's matches in Jaipur. It will be interesting what the crowds are like," former India women captain Shubhangi Kulkarni had told ANI ahead of the recently-concluded <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-league-was-great-but-need-to-have-more-teams-harmanpreet-218084/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2iOG68JriAhXVlOYKHTEYAn4QFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0WVMX411ZUxpWrXB-eepYI">Women's T20 Challenge.</a>

The three matches prior to the May 11 showdown at Sawai Mansingh stadium saw fewer spectators.

However, the finale between Velocity and eventual champions Supernovas witnessed a crowd of over 13,000 people cheering both Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur's teams contesting in the low-scoring last-ball thriller.

"Mostly in the major cities, we haven't had a good crowd. There were times earlier when we used to have packed stadiums. We had an England versus India match in Centurion in 2004 (which saw) a packed stadium. In 1976, we played a Test match at Patna and we had a full stadium. I think we need to pick the right venues to be able to attract the crowd. We need to think differently about women's games. Think of those venues where we will get full crowds," Kulkarni said.

Staging a full-fledged league may take some more time, given the concerns of BCCI over the depth of India's domestic pool of players.

'Use inter-school and inter-university tournaments to build base'&nbsp;India women's first captain Shantha Rangaswamy is of the view that inter-school state tournaments is where the base will improve.

"You need to have a wider and much larger pool of players to choose from. My worry is where is the wide base we are looking for to select? Even if they make 4-5 teams (for Women`s IPL), they have to work from the back end and popularise the game at the school level," Rangaswamy said in an interview to ANI.

"I feel we should coordinate with Indian universities and inter-schools and fix their tournaments in such a way that it doesn't clash with the BCCI tournaments because that is where the players are coming from. It's a feeder and we need to nourish the feeders."

"Right now inter-university is basically a shadow of what it was 30-40 years back. There was a very high level of standards then but now most of the girls are busy playing state. That's why there's a need for better coordination. Coming on TV, diving, taking a couple of catches, it's all good, people need that - I agree. But the larger picture is still hazy. That`s where we need to concentrate without ignoring this (Women's T20 Challenge), which needs to go on. The show must go on," Rangaswamy explained.

"Was BCCI willing to do this also? No! After 2017, things have changed. The perception has changed within BCCI itself. It has changed for the better. I`ll be very happy in the next 4-5 years if franchises come forward and we have a full-fledged IPL, but for that to happen, the next 5 years we need to do a lot of preparatory work. BCCI has in place T20 inter-state for juniors, for seniors, under 19 and 23. I still regret that BCCI has dispensed with inter-zonal -- that was the platform where we found high standards, more competition,"&nbsp;Rangaswamy added.

"Now they are holding Challengers which I feel is a crazy move and I don't subscribe to that whatever be the merits. It can never ever replace inter-zonal because inter-zonal was (I can assure you) the pinnacle of domestic cricket. It's a sad story or whatever the reasons I don't know but I feel they must reintroduce inter-zonal for one-day as well as T20. Inter-zonal was the litmus test in domestic cricket because the pressure and standards were high, we must get that revived," Rangaswamy, a veteran of 16 Tests and 19 ODIs, said.

On the other hand, Kulkarni, secretary of the erstwhile Women's Cricket Association, said, "I feel the girls will adapt when they play more T20 games. If you see it has happened with the men's team. Initially, they were not prepared to play T20 Internationals. During the first World Cup in 2007, men were not prepared for it. But as they went along they all got better. In men's cricket, the more players are playing, the better they are getting."

"I feel once these girls start playing these matches, their skill level will get enhanced and they will start performing better. There is a lot of interest; people are following women's cricket right from the World Cup final in 2017. Since then, there has been an interest shown by not just spectators but even sponsors. Girls are now being managed by agencies, there are people giving them sponsorship. I definitely see a full-fledged IPL beginning," Kulkarni, who has played 19 Tests and 27 ODIs, added.

The women's T20 league offers a great platform to showcase talent and hone skills by rubbing shoulders with professional overseas players. With a stronger Indian base, the tournament is set to become more competitive, and, in turn, force franchises to invest more and make it a huge success.

"It has been a long time since we have seen women's matches in Jaipur. It will be interesting what the crowds are like," former India women captain Shubhangi Kulkarni had told ANI ahead of the recently-concluded Women's T20 Challenge.

"It has been a long time since we have seen women's matches in Jaipur. It will be interesting what the crowds are like," former India women captain Shubhangi Kulkarni had told ANI ahead of the recently-concluded Women's T20 Challenge. The three matches prior to the May 11 showdown at Sawai Mansingh stadium saw fewer spectators. However, the finale between Velocity and eventual champions Supernovas witnessed a crowd of over 13,000 people cheering both Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur's teams contesting in the low-scoring last-ball thriller. "Mostly in the major cities, we haven't had a good crowd. There were times earlier when we used to have packed stadiums. We had an England versus India match in Centurion in 2004 (which saw) a packed stadium. In 1976, we played a Test match at Patna and we had a full stadium. I think we need to pick the right venues to be able to attract the crowd. We need to think differently about women's games. Think of those venues where we will get full crowds," Kulkarni said. Staging a full-fledged league may take some more time, given the concerns of BCCI over the depth of India's domestic pool of players. 'Use inter-school and inter-university tournaments to build base' India women's first captain Shantha Rangaswamy is of the view that inter-school state tournaments is where the base will improve. "You need to have a wider and much larger pool of players to choose from. My worry is where is the wide base we are looking for to select? Even if they make 4-5 teams (for Women`s IPL), they have to work from the back end and popularise the game at the school level," Rangaswamy said in an interview to ANI. "I feel we should coordinate with Indian universities and inter-schools and fix their tournaments in such a way that it doesn't clash with the BCCI tournaments because that is where the players are coming from. It's a feeder and we need to nourish the feeders." "Right now inter-university is basically a shadow of what it was 30-40 years back. There was a very high level of standards then but now most of the girls are busy playing state. That's why there's a need for better coordination. Coming on TV, diving, taking a couple of catches, it's all good, people need that - I agree. But the larger picture is still hazy. That`s where we need to concentrate without ignoring this (Women's T20 Challenge), which needs to go on. The show must go on," Rangaswamy explained. "Was BCCI willing to do this also? No! After 2017, things have changed. The perception has changed within BCCI itself. It has changed for the better. I`ll be very happy in the next 4-5 years if franchises come forward and we have a full-fledged IPL, but for that to happen, the next 5 years we need to do a lot of preparatory work. BCCI has in place T20 inter-state for juniors, for seniors, under 19 and 23. I still regret that BCCI has dispensed with inter-zonal -- that was the platform where we found high standards, more competition," Rangaswamy added. "Now they are holding Challengers which I feel is a crazy move and I don't subscribe to that whatever be the merits. It can never ever replace inter-zonal because inter-zonal was (I can assure you) the pinnacle of domestic cricket. It's a sad story or whatever the reasons I don't know but I feel they must reintroduce inter-zonal for one-day as well as T20. Inter-zonal was the litmus test in domestic cricket because the pressure and standards were high, we must get that revived," Rangaswamy, a veteran of 16 Tests and 19 ODIs, said. On the other hand, Kulkarni, secretary of the erstwhile Women's Cricket Association, said, "I feel the girls will adapt when they play more T20 games. If you see it has happened with the men's team. Initially, they were not prepared to play T20 Internationals. During the first World Cup in 2007, men were not prepared for it. But as they went along they all got better. In men's cricket, the more players are playing, the better they are getting." "I feel once these girls start playing these matches, their skill level will get enhanced and they will start performing better. There is a lot of interest; people are following women's cricket right from the World Cup final in 2017. Since then, there has been an interest shown by not just spectators but even sponsors. Girls are now being managed by agencies, there are people giving them sponsorship. I definitely see a full-fledged IPL beginning," Kulkarni, who has played 19 Tests and 27 ODIs, added. The women's T20 league offers a great platform to showcase talent and hone skills by rubbing shoulders with professional overseas players. With a stronger Indian base, the tournament is set to become more competitive, and, in turn, force franchises to invest more and make it a huge success.

Pick right venues and improve base for Women's IPL, say India's former captains

Coronavirus cases in the United crossed 3 million amid new outbreaks reported in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tale-of-three-presidents-whove-pushed-their-countries-to-the-edge-311732">Also Read:&nbsp;A tale of three presidents who've pushed their countries to the edge</a>

According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US now has 3, 016,515 cases of COVID-19 infections with 131, 666 deaths which is the highest in the world,

Amid the crisis, the Trump administration said 39 million Americans have been tested for the virus with three million Americans testing positive and over 1.3 million Americans having recovered from the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-why-coronavirus-cases-surged-in-us-covid-19-pandemic-311695/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US has been grappling with reopening measures even as Texas, Florida, Arizona and California reported new outbreaks even as Top US infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that the US was "knee-deep" in the first coronavirus wave.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that he had seen "some real progress - technical progress" &nbsp;in reopening travel with the European Union after it closed its borders for American visitors due to the pandemic.

"Both sides understand that our economies depend on it. The deep, important transatlantic relationship matters," Pompeo said, adding,"and then there'll be a system - a system to monitor and measure to make sure that we get the timing right."

US President Donald Trump had earlier imposed a ban on Europeans in March as the virus cases surged in the continent.

President Donald Trump in March also imposed a ban on most Europeans. As the virus continued to widen across the United States, President Donald Trump on Tuesday formally started the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization(WHO).

Trump has earlier accussed the WHO of mishandling the virus crisis and not informing the world earlier about the pandemic.

However, US presidential candidate hit out at Trump's action, saying: "Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage."&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases in the United crossed 3 million amid new outbreaks reported in the country. Also Read: A tale of three presidents who've pushed their countries to the edge According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US now has 3, 016,515 cases of COVID-19 infections with 131, 666 deaths which is the highest in the world, Amid the crisis, the Trump administration said 39 million Americans have been tested for the virus with three million Americans testing positive and over 1.

Coronavirus cases in the United crossed 3 million amid new outbreaks reported in the country. Also Read: A tale of three presidents who've pushed their countries to the edge According to Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the US now has 3, 016,515 cases of COVID-19 infections with 131, 666 deaths which is the highest in the world, Amid the crisis, the Trump administration said 39 million Americans have been tested for the virus with three million Americans testing positive and over 1.3 million Americans having recovered from the virus. Watch: The US has been grappling with reopening measures even as Texas, Florida, Arizona and California reported new outbreaks even as Top US infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci said that the US was "knee-deep" in the first coronavirus wave. Meanwhile, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that he had seen "some real progress - technical progress" in reopening travel with the European Union after it closed its borders for American visitors due to the pandemic. "Both sides understand that our economies depend on it. The deep, important transatlantic relationship matters," Pompeo said, adding,"and then there'll be a system - a system to monitor and measure to make sure that we get the timing right." US President Donald Trump had earlier imposed a ban on Europeans in March as the virus cases surged in the continent. President Donald Trump in March also imposed a ban on most Europeans. As the virus continued to widen across the United States, President Donald Trump on Tuesday formally started the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization(WHO). Trump has earlier accussed the WHO of mishandling the virus crisis and not informing the world earlier about the pandemic. However, US presidential candidate hit out at Trump's action, saying: "Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage."

We don't lack in fast bowling department, says Smriti Mandhana

A small goal already achieved, Indian women's team opener Smriti Mandhana has now set her sights on winning a World Cup title with the national team.

Mandhana became the number one ODI batter in the ICC Women's Rankings last month following her exemplary run of form.

Mandhana, who will lead India women in the three-match T20 series against England starting here on Monday, said her goal now is to stay at the top and win a World title.&nbsp;

"As a kid when you start playing, you always think of winning the World Cup. Obviously, there are individual targets like, getting to ICC world no.1 spot.

And reaching there was really pleasing but now I have to work even harder. To stay there is much more important than getting there," said Mandhana, who replaced injured Harmanpreet Kaur as the T20 captain.

"As a batter the most important thing is to reach the ICC world no.1 position. Definitely it was one of the small goals for me, but my major goal is definitely to win the World Cup," she added.

The upcoming series will provide Indian women's team a chance to finalise a core group of players ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year but

Mandhana said their primary aim is to win the series, which in turn will throw up new players.&nbsp;

"Definitely we are looking to win the series and not just trying out new faces. We really have a very exciting team. It is important for us to believe that we are going into the series to win it rather than experimenting," the skipper said.&nbsp;

"First goal is to win the series and if we can achieve that we will definitely be able to find new faces for the World Cup. It would be much easier rather than thinking the other way."

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be held in Australia from February 21 to March 8 next year.&nbsp;

Mandhana said they have already started their preparations for the T20 World Cup and a fair bit of idea about the composition of the side will come in next 6-8 months.

"Me and Raman sir (coach W V Raman) have spoken about the things which we lacked in New Zealand tour and the way our batting order will be shaping for the next World Cup.&nbsp;

"So, it's a really exciting time because we have such a young side. We will have to wait for 6-8 months to see where all the players are," she said.&nbsp;

Asked about all-rounder Harleen Deol, who replaced Harmanpreet in the squad, Mandhana said: "I think it was a selectors' decision but I think she is a brilliant player and for T20 format she is a perfect all-rounder.&nbsp;

"She can bowl that 2-3 crucial overs and gives a lot as a batter. She is also a brilliant fielder. Definitely, she will have a huge role to play in T20s for India in the future."

Mandhana said on the personal front her approach towards her game won't change much after becoming captain.

"The preparation won't change because as a vice-captain for the last 2 years I have been attending all the meetings of strategy. I know already what we are going to do before the match when I was not the captain. But I will make extra effort to speak to bowlers," she said.&nbsp;

"I have been playing under a lot of captains in the last 4-5 years and I have tried to learn everything from them. I don't really like to mix captaincy and batting...As it will complicate me more," she added.

Mandhana praised the BCCI for taking the matches to smaller venues as it attracts more crowd, which according to her is a must for the development of women's cricket.&nbsp;

"It's a brilliant initiative. The time we have landed in Guwahati the reception has been really amazing. All the players are really happy with the kind of response people are giving to us. This will help women's cricket in a big way," she said.

A small goal already achieved, Indian women's team opener Smriti Mandhana has now set her sights on winning a World Cup title with the national team. Mandhana became the number one ODI batter in the ICC Women's Rankings last month following her exemplary run of form.

A small goal already achieved, Indian women's team opener Smriti Mandhana has now set her sights on winning a World Cup title with the national team. Mandhana became the number one ODI batter in the ICC Women's Rankings last month following her exemplary run of form. Mandhana, who will lead India women in the three-match T20 series against England starting here on Monday, said her goal now is to stay at the top and win a World title. "As a kid when you start playing, you always think of winning the World Cup. Obviously, there are individual targets like, getting to ICC world no.1 spot. And reaching there was really pleasing but now I have to work even harder. To stay there is much more important than getting there," said Mandhana, who replaced injured Harmanpreet Kaur as the T20 captain. "As a batter the most important thing is to reach the ICC world no.1 position. Definitely it was one of the small goals for me, but my major goal is definitely to win the World Cup," she added. The upcoming series will provide Indian women's team a chance to finalise a core group of players ahead of the T20 World Cup early next year but Mandhana said their primary aim is to win the series, which in turn will throw up new players. "Definitely we are looking to win the series and not just trying out new faces. We really have a very exciting team. It is important for us to believe that we are going into the series to win it rather than experimenting," the skipper said. "First goal is to win the series and if we can achieve that we will definitely be able to find new faces for the World Cup. It would be much easier rather than thinking the other way." The ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be held in Australia from February 21 to March 8 next year. Mandhana said they have already started their preparations for the T20 World Cup and a fair bit of idea about the composition of the side will come in next 6-8 months. "Me and Raman sir (coach W V Raman) have spoken about the things which we lacked in New Zealand tour and the way our batting order will be shaping for the next World Cup. "So, it's a really exciting time because we have such a young side. We will have to wait for 6-8 months to see where all the players are," she said. Asked about all-rounder Harleen Deol, who replaced Harmanpreet in the squad, Mandhana said: "I think it was a selectors' decision but I think she is a brilliant player and for T20 format she is a perfect all-rounder. "She can bowl that 2-3 crucial overs and gives a lot as a batter. She is also a brilliant fielder. Definitely, she will have a huge role to play in T20s for India in the future." Mandhana said on the personal front her approach towards her game won't change much after becoming captain. "The preparation won't change because as a vice-captain for the last 2 years I have been attending all the meetings of strategy. I know already what we are going to do before the match when I was not the captain. But I will make extra effort to speak to bowlers," she said. "I have been playing under a lot of captains in the last 4-5 years and I have tried to learn everything from them. I don't really like to mix captaincy and batting...As it will complicate me more," she added. Mandhana praised the BCCI for taking the matches to smaller venues as it attracts more crowd, which according to her is a must for the development of women's cricket. "It's a brilliant initiative. The time we have landed in Guwahati the reception has been really amazing. All the players are really happy with the kind of response people are giving to us. This will help women's cricket in a big way," she said.

After becoming world no.1 batter, Smriti Mandhana now wants to win a World Cup

Opener Smriti Mandhana's stylish 63 was complemented by skipper Mithali Raj's unbeaten 47 as Indian women cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.&nbsp;

Chasing an easy target of 162, the hosts cantered to the target in 41.1 overs, primarily due to two significant partnerships.&nbsp;

The 73-run stand between Mandhana and Poonam Raut (32 off 65 balls) for the second wicket set the foundation and the 66 runs for the third wicket clinched the issue in favour of 'Women In Blue'.

This was after pacers Shikha Pandey (4/18 in 10 overs) and Jhulan Goswami (4/30 in 8.3 overs) wreaked havoc with their fiery spells to bundle out the opposition for a paltry 161 in 43.3 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second win on the trot also helped the hosts grab two crucial points to go up the ladder in the ICC Women's ODI championship table.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India won the first game by 66 runs and the third and final game will be played at the same venue on February 28.&nbsp;

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A great effort today by the team to win the series especially <a href="https://twitter.com/shikhashauny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shikhashauny</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/mandhana_smriti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mandhana_smriti</a> who were brilliant with the ball &amp; bat respectively. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> 🏏🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCIWomen</a> <a href="https://t.co/3pbhIM1I35">pic.twitter.com/3pbhIM1I35</a>
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhulanG10/status/1099992418735349765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The first half is very important even if you choose to bat. Later on, the wicket eases out because the pitches here are well rolled. I was a bit disappointed with the 10th wicket partnership England got, but I guess, 150-odd, I knew we were always there," skipper Mithali said after the match.&nbsp;

After India lost Jemimah Rodrigues (0) early, Mandhana and one-down Raut steadied the ship. Mandhana hit seven fours and a six in her 74-ball knock while Raut played her usual defensive game with four boundaries to her credit.&nbsp;

Mandhana was in her element, hitting eloquent drives and pulls as England bowlers were taken to task.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raut, who got a 'life' on 26 after Natalie Sciver dropped her catch on her own bowling, however could not make most of it. Soon after that, she was stumped by Sarah Taylor off Georgia Elwiss, even as, the hosts still required another 88 runs for a victory.&nbsp;

But then skipper Mithali played her part to perfection as she and Mandhana dashed off any hopes that England had harboured.&nbsp;

However, Mandhana was trapped in front of the wicket by Anya Shrubsole, with India requiring another 22 runs.&nbsp;

Raj, who is the leading run getter in ODIs, showed her class and stamped her authority, hitting eight fours in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 6 with her captain and fittingly Mithali finished the game with a boundary.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pandey and Goswami snapped four wickets each as they ripped apart the England batting line-up after their skipper Heather Knight chose to bat first.&nbsp;

Pandey, who returned with her best figures in ODIs, surpassing her previous best of 4/34, and Jhulan kept a tight leash and were rewarded for it. The duo was well supported by spinner Poonam Yadav (2-28).&nbsp;

Only Natalie Sciver (85), who hammered 12 fours and a six, put up a lone fight to take the score past 150.&nbsp;

"My role was to give early breakthroughs and to stick to my plans, and I was happy to bowl in the right areas. I wanted to consistently do that and hope the batsmen make an error too," Goswami said at the post-match presentation ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"When you're bowling in a Powerplay, then you need to have a second plan. Can't just use one stock ball, so was just trying to enjoy the bowling. As long as you're playing, nerves will always be there. It will always help you to do better," she added.&nbsp;

Brief Scores: England Woman 161 all out (Natalie Sciver 85, Lauren Winfield 28, Shikha Pandey 4-18, Jhulan Goswami 4-30) lost to India Women 162/3 (Smriti Mandhana 63, Mithali Raj 47 not out, Anya Shrubsole 2-23, Georgia Elwiss 1-28) by seven wickets.&nbsp;

Opener Smriti Mandhana's stylish 63 was complemented by skipper Mithali Raj's unbeaten 47 as Indian women cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Opener Smriti Mandhana's stylish 63 was complemented by skipper Mithali Raj's unbeaten 47 as Indian women cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing an easy target of 162, the hosts cantered to the target in 41.1 overs, primarily due to two significant partnerships. The 73-run stand between Mandhana and Poonam Raut (32 off 65 balls) for the second wicket set the foundation and the 66 runs for the third wicket clinched the issue in favour of 'Women In Blue'. This was after pacers Shikha Pandey (4/18 in 10 overs) and Jhulan Goswami (4/30 in 8.3 overs) wreaked havoc with their fiery spells to bundle out the opposition for a paltry 161 in 43.3 overs. The second win on the trot also helped the hosts grab two crucial points to go up the ladder in the ICC Women's ODI championship table. India won the first game by 66 runs and the third and final game will be played at the same venue on February 28. A great effort today by the team to win the series especially @shikhashauny & @mandhana_smriti who were brilliant with the ball & bat respectively. #INDvENG 🏏🏆 @BCCIWomen pic.twitter.com/3pbhIM1I35 — Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) February 25, 2019 × "The first half is very important even if you choose to bat. Later on, the wicket eases out because the pitches here are well rolled. I was a bit disappointed with the 10th wicket partnership England got, but I guess, 150-odd, I knew we were always there," skipper Mithali said after the match. After India lost Jemimah Rodrigues (0) early, Mandhana and one-down Raut steadied the ship. Mandhana hit seven fours and a six in her 74-ball knock while Raut played her usual defensive game with four boundaries to her credit. Mandhana was in her element, hitting eloquent drives and pulls as England bowlers were taken to task. Raut, who got a 'life' on 26 after Natalie Sciver dropped her catch on her own bowling, however could not make most of it. Soon after that, she was stumped by Sarah Taylor off Georgia Elwiss, even as, the hosts still required another 88 runs for a victory. But then skipper Mithali played her part to perfection as she and Mandhana dashed off any hopes that England had harboured. However, Mandhana was trapped in front of the wicket by Anya Shrubsole, with India requiring another 22 runs. Raj, who is the leading run getter in ODIs, showed her class and stamped her authority, hitting eight fours in the process. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 6 with her captain and fittingly Mithali finished the game with a boundary. Earlier, Pandey and Goswami snapped four wickets each as they ripped apart the England batting line-up after their skipper Heather Knight chose to bat first. Pandey, who returned with her best figures in ODIs, surpassing her previous best of 4/34, and Jhulan kept a tight leash and were rewarded for it. The duo was well supported by spinner Poonam Yadav (2-28). Only Natalie Sciver (85), who hammered 12 fours and a six, put up a lone fight to take the score past 150. "My role was to give early breakthroughs and to stick to my plans, and I was happy to bowl in the right areas. I wanted to consistently do that and hope the batsmen make an error too," Goswami said at the post-match presentation ceremony. "When you're bowling in a Powerplay, then you need to have a second plan. Can't just use one stock ball, so was just trying to enjoy the bowling. As long as you're playing, nerves will always be there. It will always help you to do better," she added. Brief Scores: England Woman 161 all out (Natalie Sciver 85, Lauren Winfield 28, Shikha Pandey 4-18, Jhulan Goswami 4-30) lost to India Women 162/3 (Smriti Mandhana 63, Mithali Raj 47 not out, Anya Shrubsole 2-23, Georgia Elwiss 1-28) by seven wickets.

2nd Women's ODI: India defeat England by 7 wickets; seal series

India opener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Smriti+Mandhana">Smriti Mandhana</a> maintained her pole position while ODI skipper Mithali Raj remained fifth in the latest ICC ODI Players' Ranking issued on Monday.&nbsp;

Mandhana is leading the pack with 774 rating points ahead of Australia pair of Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.&nbsp;

New Zealand's Amy Satterthwaite is placed fourth, just ahead of Raj.&nbsp;

The other Indians to feature in top 20 are Deepti Sharma, who jumped a place to 17th and Twenty20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur at 19th.&nbsp;

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor has advanced two places and grabbed the eighth position among batters even as a number of players from Pakistan and South Africa have also moved up in the ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings after winning their respective ICC Women's Championship series.&nbsp;

Taylor led the list of run-getters with an aggregate of 158, including two fifties, in a 2-1 loss here that enabled Pakistan to overtake the West Indies in the points table of the eight-team championship. It provides direct qualification berths to hosts New Zealand and four other top teams in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021.&nbsp;

South Africa have kept in contention for a direct berth in the pinnacle event by completing a 3-0 triumph at home over Sri Lanka, a verdict that has helped them to catch up with the fifth-placed West Indies on 11 points, even though they remain behind on net run rate.&nbsp;

Pakistan's victory over the West Indies has lifted them to 12 points and they are now in the fourth position, just behind India on the net run rate in the list led by Australia with 16 points from only nine matches and New Zealand second at 14 points from 12.&nbsp;

Among bowlers, veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami is the best-placed Indian at the third spot behind Megan Schutt of Australia and Pakistan's Sana Mir, who is leading the pack.&nbsp;

Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav are two other Indian bowlers figuring at the top-10 at eighth and ninth positions respectively.&nbsp;

Deepti also features in the all-rounders' chart at a career-high third spot. Perry is at the pinnacle of the list followed by West Indies' Taylor.&nbsp;

No Indian woman has reached the top spot among all-rounders as all the former captains --- Goswami (in July 2015), Purnima Rau (December 2000) and Shubhangi Kulkarni (January 1986) have attained the second position.&nbsp;

The upcoming India-England series can be crucial in the final standings while defending champions Australia host second-placed New Zealand in another series that also starts on Saturday.

India opener Smriti Mandhana maintained her pole position while ODI skipper Mithali Raj remained fifth in the latest ICC ODI Players' Ranking issued on Monday. Mandhana is leading the pack with 774 rating points ahead of Australia pair of Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.

India opener Smriti Mandhana maintained her pole position while ODI skipper Mithali Raj remained fifth in the latest ICC ODI Players' Ranking issued on Monday. Mandhana is leading the pack with 774 rating points ahead of Australia pair of Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. New Zealand's Amy Satterthwaite is placed fourth, just ahead of Raj. The other Indians to feature in top 20 are Deepti Sharma, who jumped a place to 17th and Twenty20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur at 19th. West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor has advanced two places and grabbed the eighth position among batters even as a number of players from Pakistan and South Africa have also moved up in the ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings after winning their respective ICC Women's Championship series. Taylor led the list of run-getters with an aggregate of 158, including two fifties, in a 2-1 loss here that enabled Pakistan to overtake the West Indies in the points table of the eight-team championship. It provides direct qualification berths to hosts New Zealand and four other top teams in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021. South Africa have kept in contention for a direct berth in the pinnacle event by completing a 3-0 triumph at home over Sri Lanka, a verdict that has helped them to catch up with the fifth-placed West Indies on 11 points, even though they remain behind on net run rate. Pakistan's victory over the West Indies has lifted them to 12 points and they are now in the fourth position, just behind India on the net run rate in the list led by Australia with 16 points from only nine matches and New Zealand second at 14 points from 12. Among bowlers, veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami is the best-placed Indian at the third spot behind Megan Schutt of Australia and Pakistan's Sana Mir, who is leading the pack. Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav are two other Indian bowlers figuring at the top-10 at eighth and ninth positions respectively. Deepti also features in the all-rounders' chart at a career-high third spot. Perry is at the pinnacle of the list followed by West Indies' Taylor. No Indian woman has reached the top spot among all-rounders as all the former captains --- Goswami (in July 2015), Purnima Rau (December 2000) and Shubhangi Kulkarni (January 1986) have attained the second position. The upcoming India-England series can be crucial in the final standings while defending champions Australia host second-placed New Zealand in another series that also starts on Saturday.

ICC Women's Rankings: Smriti Mandhana maintains top spot

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand.&nbsp;

Rodrigues's 132 runs in the three-match series against New Zealand have lifted her to the second position while Mandhana, who grabbed the top spot in ODIs last week, has gained four spots after finishing as the leading run-getter in the New Zealand series with an aggregate of 180.

The stylish left-hander smashed two half-centuries including a fluent 86 in the last match in Hamilton that India lost by two runs.

Spinners Radha Yadav, up 18 places to 10th after taking four wickets in the series, and Deepti Sharma, up five places to 14th, are the India players to move up among bowlers.

For New Zealand, Sophie Devine has moved from 11th to eighth position among batters after scoring 153 runs in the series including a match-winning 72 in the last match, while captain Amy Satterthwaite's 87 runs have lifted her from 23rd to 17th position. Among bowlers, Lea Tahuhu has moved up five slots to 11th position.

Windies' Deandra Dottin has grabbed the top spot among all-rounders.

Dottin has been the standout performer in a 2-1 series win in Pakistan. Dottin has moved up two places to third among batters after scoring 158 runs in the series while her three wickets have lifted her two slots to 29th among bowlers.&nbsp;

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has gained three slots to tie with compatriot Javeria Khan in 15th position among batters while Sana Mir, who is top ranked in the ODI format, has moved up six places to take 28th position among T20 bowlers after taking three wickets in the series.

In the team rankings, New Zealand have overtaken England to take second place. Australia continue to lead the table while the Windies and India are fourth and fifth respectively.

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand.

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand. Rodrigues's 132 runs in the three-match series against New Zealand have lifted her to the second position while Mandhana, who grabbed the top spot in ODIs last week, has gained four spots after finishing as the leading run-getter in the New Zealand series with an aggregate of 180. The stylish left-hander smashed two half-centuries including a fluent 86 in the last match in Hamilton that India lost by two runs. Spinners Radha Yadav, up 18 places to 10th after taking four wickets in the series, and Deepti Sharma, up five places to 14th, are the India players to move up among bowlers. For New Zealand, Sophie Devine has moved from 11th to eighth position among batters after scoring 153 runs in the series including a match-winning 72 in the last match, while captain Amy Satterthwaite's 87 runs have lifted her from 23rd to 17th position. Among bowlers, Lea Tahuhu has moved up five slots to 11th position. Windies' Deandra Dottin has grabbed the top spot among all-rounders. Dottin has been the standout performer in a 2-1 series win in Pakistan. Dottin has moved up two places to third among batters after scoring 158 runs in the series while her three wickets have lifted her two slots to 29th among bowlers. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has gained three slots to tie with compatriot Javeria Khan in 15th position among batters while Sana Mir, who is top ranked in the ODI format, has moved up six places to take 28th position among T20 bowlers after taking three wickets in the series. In the team rankings, New Zealand have overtaken England to take second place. Australia continue to lead the table while the Windies and India are fourth and fifth respectively.

Rodrigues, Mandhana move up to second and sixth in ICC rankings

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-suspending-missile-treaty-after-us-move-agencies-194569">Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty</a>

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rishi-kumar-shukla-appointed-new-cbi-chief-officials-194608">Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed new CBI chief</a>

Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, PTI quoted officials as saying Saturday.&nbsp;

Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">hafta</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-to-mamata-in-bengal-there-is-a-trinamool-tolabaji-hafta-tax-all-over-the-state-194622">) Tax all over the state</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state.&nbsp;

“Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-begins-serious-work-on-uk-staying-in-eu-customs-union-the-independent-194575">British government begins 'serious work' on UK staying in EU customs union: Report</a>

British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-smriti-mandhana-becomes-no1-odi-batswoman-194600">India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman</a>

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday.

After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.&nbsp;

Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before.

Following US move, Putin says Russia is pulling out of nuclear missile treaty President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said Russia was suspending its participation in a key Cold War-era missile treaty in a mirror response to a US move the day before. Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed new CBI chief Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed the new director of the Central Bureau of Investigation, PTI quoted officials as saying Saturday. Shukla is a 1983-batch Indian Police Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Modi to Mamata in Bengal: Trinamool Tolabaji (hafta) Tax all over the state Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of foisting a tolabaji (hafta) culture all over the state. “Trinamool Tolabaji Tax is prevalent in the state. Every child in West Bengal is aware of this TTT. West Bengal is the only state where you have to pay tax for education. No one opposed this culture of syndicate and TTT, which is why the Trinamool Congress got a free run," Modi said. British government begins 'serious work' on UK staying in EU customs union: Report British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday. India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday.

After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.&nbsp;

Mandhana, who has been in exemplary form in the one-day format, has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries in 15 games since the beginning of 2018.&nbsp;

Completing the top five, New Zealand skipper Amy Satterhwaite, who smashed consecutive half-centuries in the series against India, flew up ten places to take the number four position, while Indian skipper Mithali Raj moved down a spot.&nbsp;

Former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates rose up one place to number six following her half-century in Hamilton, which propelled her side to victory in the third ODI against India.&nbsp;

Lizelle Lee of South Africa, Tammy Beaumont of England, Stafanie Taylor of West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka completed the top 10 list.&nbsp;

Indian young player Jemimah Rodrigues, who blazed an unbeaten 81 in the first ODI against New Zealand, made a massive jump of 64 places to take number 61 spot in the rankings. The 18-year-old has played just seven ODIs since making her debut in March last year.&nbsp;

Among the bowlers, Indian spinners Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma jumped five places each and now sit at number eight and nine respectively.&nbsp;

Poonam took six wickets in the series against New Zealand, while Deepti picked up four. Ekta Bisht jumped up nine places to number 13 after claiming five wickets in the series.&nbsp;

Celebrated pacer Jhulan Goswami, whose 3/23 in the second game set up the series win against Kiwi-women, raised one place to take number four and is the highest-ranked Indian in the top five. Sana Mir of Pakistan, Megan Schutt of Australia and Marizanne Kapp of South Africa are above Jhulan.&nbsp;

In the all-rounders’ rankings, Ellyse Perry has retained the top spot. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have moved up one place to take number nine, thereby pushed down West Indies’ Deandra Dottin to number 10.

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. Mandhana, who has been in exemplary form in the one-day format, has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries in 15 games since the beginning of 2018. Completing the top five, New Zealand skipper Amy Satterhwaite, who smashed consecutive half-centuries in the series against India, flew up ten places to take the number four position, while Indian skipper Mithali Raj moved down a spot. Former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates rose up one place to number six following her half-century in Hamilton, which propelled her side to victory in the third ODI against India. Lizelle Lee of South Africa, Tammy Beaumont of England, Stafanie Taylor of West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka completed the top 10 list. Indian young player Jemimah Rodrigues, who blazed an unbeaten 81 in the first ODI against New Zealand, made a massive jump of 64 places to take number 61 spot in the rankings. The 18-year-old has played just seven ODIs since making her debut in March last year. Among the bowlers, Indian spinners Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma jumped five places each and now sit at number eight and nine respectively. Poonam took six wickets in the series against New Zealand, while Deepti picked up four. Ekta Bisht jumped up nine places to number 13 after claiming five wickets in the series. Celebrated pacer Jhulan Goswami, whose 3/23 in the second game set up the series win against Kiwi-women, raised one place to take number four and is the highest-ranked Indian in the top five. Sana Mir of Pakistan, Megan Schutt of Australia and Marizanne Kapp of South Africa are above Jhulan. In the all-rounders’ rankings, Ellyse Perry has retained the top spot. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have moved up one place to take number nine, thereby pushed down West Indies’ Deandra Dottin to number 10.

India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman

Opener Smriti Mandhana led the chase for India with familiar panache after a feisty bowling performance that steered the side to a series-clinching eight-wicket triumph over New Zealand Women in the second one-dayer here Tuesday.&nbsp;

Opting to field, India produced an excellent effort to bowl out New Zealand for a paltry 161 in 44.2 overs before player of the match Mandhana (90 not out) and skipper Mithali Raj (63 not out) stitched a 151-run unbroken third-wicket stand to guide the team to an easy win.&nbsp;

The duo resurrected the Indian run chase from 15 for 2 after the early loss of opener Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and Deepti Sharma (8).&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It feels great but I think our bowlers deserved the player of the match award more than me. I will give it away to our bowlers, they did a great job to restrict New Zealand on a good wicket," Mandhana said in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old Mandhana has been in excellent form in recent times and Tuesday's half century was her eighth in the last 10 ODI innings. She hit 105 in the first match of the ongoing series.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, she took just 82 deliveries in her unbeaten knock of 90.

Raj, on the other hand, faced 111 deliveries in her sedate knock 63. But, she was a perfect counterfoil to the aggressive Mandhana.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Raj completed the run chase in style with a six as India reached to 166 for 2 in 35.2 overs.&nbsp;

"I am happy with the way the team is shaping up. I have always enjoyed batting in challenging conditions. It wasn't easy, it required patience here. Smriti is in good form and somebody had to give her support," Raj said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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India have taken all four of the ICC Women's Championship points on offer so far, with the batters and bowlers putting on a stellar show. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> 2nd WODI report 👇<a href="https://t.co/Gmu4J31rL4">https://t.co/Gmu4J31rL4</a> <a href="https://t.co/cJDOwtGm6t">pic.twitter.com/cJDOwtGm6t</a>
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India have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest, which is part of the ICC Women's Championship series.

The visiting side beat New Zealand in the first one-dayer by nine wickets at the same venue on January 24. The third and final match of the series is scheduled to be held in Hamilton on February 1.&nbsp;

It was a fitting revenge for the Indian team, which had lost the home leg of the ICC Women's Championship series 1-2 to New Zealand during the last cycle that ran from 2014-2016.&nbsp;

New Zealand are ranked second in the ICC Women's Championship table and are guaranteed a direct entry into the 50-over World Cup being the hosts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just like the first match, India opted to field and shot New Zealand out for a paltry 161 with senior pacer Jhulan Goswami grabbing 3 wickets for 23 to lead the Indian bowling charge.&nbsp;

The spin trio of Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma, who had tormented New Zealand in India's nine-wicket win in the first ODI, took two wickets each to stifle the Kiwi innings yet again.&nbsp;

New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite top-scored with a 71 off 87 balls before she became Yadav's first victim in the 34th over. But she got little support from her other team-mates.&nbsp;

"Frustrated to be honest, not putting enough runs on the board. Just comes down to that really," she said after the match.&nbsp;

New Zealand made a disastrous start with opener Suzie Bates being dismissed for a nought off the fourth ball.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The home side were 62 for 5 in the 21st over and despite a spirited effort from Satterthwaite, they were all out for 161 in 44.2 overs, failing to bat through their full quota of overs for the second time in a row.&nbsp;

Opener Smriti Mandhana led the chase for India with familiar panache after a feisty bowling performance that steered the side to a series-clinching eight-wicket triumph over New Zealand Women in the second one-dayer here Tuesday.

Opener Smriti Mandhana led the chase for India with familiar panache after a feisty bowling performance that steered the side to a series-clinching eight-wicket triumph over New Zealand Women in the second one-dayer here Tuesday. Opting to field, India produced an excellent effort to bowl out New Zealand for a paltry 161 in 44.2 overs before player of the match Mandhana (90 not out) and skipper Mithali Raj (63 not out) stitched a 151-run unbroken third-wicket stand to guide the team to an easy win. The duo resurrected the Indian run chase from 15 for 2 after the early loss of opener Jemimah Rodrigues (0) and Deepti Sharma (8). "It feels great but I think our bowlers deserved the player of the match award more than me. I will give it away to our bowlers, they did a great job to restrict New Zealand on a good wicket," Mandhana said in the post-match presentation. The 22-year-old Mandhana has been in excellent form in recent times and Tuesday's half century was her eighth in the last 10 ODI innings. She hit 105 in the first match of the ongoing series. On Tuesday, she took just 82 deliveries in her unbeaten knock of 90. Raj, on the other hand, faced 111 deliveries in her sedate knock 63. But, she was a perfect counterfoil to the aggressive Mandhana. Raj completed the run chase in style with a six as India reached to 166 for 2 in 35.2 overs. "I am happy with the way the team is shaping up. I have always enjoyed batting in challenging conditions. It wasn't easy, it required patience here. Smriti is in good form and somebody had to give her support," Raj said. India have taken all four of the ICC Women's Championship points on offer so far, with the batters and bowlers putting on a stellar show. #NZvIND 2nd WODI report 👇https://t.co/Gmu4J31rL4 pic.twitter.com/cJDOwtGm6t — ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2019 × India have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest, which is part of the ICC Women's Championship series. The visiting side beat New Zealand in the first one-dayer by nine wickets at the same venue on January 24. The third and final match of the series is scheduled to be held in Hamilton on February 1. It was a fitting revenge for the Indian team, which had lost the home leg of the ICC Women's Championship series 1-2 to New Zealand during the last cycle that ran from 2014-2016. New Zealand are ranked second in the ICC Women's Championship table and are guaranteed a direct entry into the 50-over World Cup being the hosts. Just like the first match, India opted to field and shot New Zealand out for a paltry 161 with senior pacer Jhulan Goswami grabbing 3 wickets for 23 to lead the Indian bowling charge. The spin trio of Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma, who had tormented New Zealand in India's nine-wicket win in the first ODI, took two wickets each to stifle the Kiwi innings yet again. New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite top-scored with a 71 off 87 balls before she became Yadav's first victim in the 34th over. But she got little support from her other team-mates. "Frustrated to be honest, not putting enough runs on the board. Just comes down to that really," she said after the match. New Zealand made a disastrous start with opener Suzie Bates being dismissed for a nought off the fourth ball. The home side were 62 for 5 in the 21st over and despite a spirited effort from Satterthwaite, they were all out for 161 in 44.2 overs, failing to bat through their full quota of overs for the second time in a row.

Smriti Mandhana stars again as India beat New Zealand in 2nd ODI, clinch series

The in-form Smriti Mandhana and teen sensation Jemimah Rodrigues hammered New Zealand's clueless bowling attack to steer India to an emphatic nine-wicket triumph in the opening ODI of a three-match series here Thursday.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old Mandhana (105) and the 18-year-old Rodrigues (81 not out) put together a batting masterclass after the bowlers did the job for India by bundling out New Zealand for a below-par 192.&nbsp;

Competing in their first series after the furore that followed the team's T20 World Cup exit in the semifinals last year, the Indians produced a thoroughly clinical performance to eke out the comfortable victory in 33 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Mandhana, fresh from winning the ICC women's cricketer of the year award, slammed her fourth ODI hundred, Rodrigues notched up her maiden international half-century.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I think it's great to start the series with a win and wonderful to see openers get an over 100-run partnership. I think lot of girls do look up to Mandhana.&nbsp;

She had a great 2018 and she is continuing and it gives a lot of confidence to the dressing room," India captain Mithali Raj said in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;

"But easy catches should have been taken. We are definitely not overconfident," she added, referring to the shortcomings she noticed.&nbsp;

Mandhana and Rodrigues stitched together the highest ever opening wicket stand against New Zealand -- a 190-run partnership that stood for 32.2 overs. Rodrigues was making just her fifth appearance in national colours.&nbsp;

Mandhana's 104-ball knock included nine fours and three sixes, while Rodrigues managed nine hits to the fence.&nbsp;

"The wicket was great to bat on. We played according to the merit of the balls and it was a great innings ," she said.&nbsp;

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WHAT A KNOCK! 
 
India opener Smriti Mandhana brings up her fourth ODI 💯 in the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> ODI! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/SR5R7k10kQ">pic.twitter.com/SR5R7k10kQ</a>
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Smriti Mandhana's 105 and an unbeaten 81 from Jemimah Rodrigues take India to a comfortable nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> SCORECARD 🔽<a href="https://t.co/TCPHF6aIr1">https://t.co/TCPHF6aIr1</a> <a href="https://t.co/lROkeB7szh">pic.twitter.com/lROkeB7szh</a>
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An overcast sky meant that the two teams did not face the sun-strike that halted play for nearly half an hour in the men's game on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Earlier, put in to bat, New Zealand let slip a good start and crumbled in the face of India's relentless spin combination of Poonam Yadav and Ekta Bisht.&nbsp;

Both Bisht and Yadav snared three wickets each to put the visiting side on top.&nbsp;

Yadav, in fact, ripped through the White Ferns' middle order, claiming the scalps of skipper Amy Satterthwaite (31), Lauren Down (0) and Amelia Kerr (28) in her quota of 10 overs.&nbsp;

This was after Susie Bates (38) and Sophie Devine (28) gave New Zealand a solid start.&nbsp;

But Devine's run out by Deepti Sharma triggered a collapse and New Zealand folded in 48.4 overs. Bates' 38 off 54 balls, including a couple of fours, was the best that any home batsman could manage.&nbsp;

The next match of the series will be played in Mount Maunganui on January 29.&nbsp;

The in-form Smriti Mandhana and teen sensation Jemimah Rodrigues hammered New Zealand's clueless bowling attack to steer India to an emphatic nine-wicket triumph in the opening ODI of a three-match series here Thursday.

The in-form Smriti Mandhana and teen sensation Jemimah Rodrigues hammered New Zealand's clueless bowling attack to steer India to an emphatic nine-wicket triumph in the opening ODI of a three-match series here Thursday. The 22-year-old Mandhana (105) and the 18-year-old Rodrigues (81 not out) put together a batting masterclass after the bowlers did the job for India by bundling out New Zealand for a below-par 192. Competing in their first series after the furore that followed the team's T20 World Cup exit in the semifinals last year, the Indians produced a thoroughly clinical performance to eke out the comfortable victory in 33 overs. While Mandhana, fresh from winning the ICC women's cricketer of the year award, slammed her fourth ODI hundred, Rodrigues notched up her maiden international half-century. "I think it's great to start the series with a win and wonderful to see openers get an over 100-run partnership. I think lot of girls do look up to Mandhana. She had a great 2018 and she is continuing and it gives a lot of confidence to the dressing room," India captain Mithali Raj said in the post-match presentation. "But easy catches should have been taken. We are definitely not overconfident," she added, referring to the shortcomings she noticed. Mandhana and Rodrigues stitched together the highest ever opening wicket stand against New Zealand -- a 190-run partnership that stood for 32.2 overs. Rodrigues was making just her fifth appearance in national colours. Mandhana's 104-ball knock included nine fours and three sixes, while Rodrigues managed nine hits to the fence. "The wicket was great to bat on. We played according to the merit of the balls and it was a great innings ," she said. WHAT A KNOCK! India opener Smriti Mandhana brings up her fourth ODI 💯 in the first #NZvIND ODI! 👏 pic.twitter.com/SR5R7k10kQ — ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2019 × Smriti Mandhana's 105 and an unbeaten 81 from Jemimah Rodrigues take India to a comfortable nine-wicket win over New Zealand in the first ODI.#NZvIND SCORECARD 🔽https://t.co/TCPHF6aIr1 pic.twitter.com/lROkeB7szh — ICC (@ICC) January 24, 2019 × An overcast sky meant that the two teams did not face the sun-strike that halted play for nearly half an hour in the men's game on Wednesday. Earlier, put in to bat, New Zealand let slip a good start and crumbled in the face of India's relentless spin combination of Poonam Yadav and Ekta Bisht. Both Bisht and Yadav snared three wickets each to put the visiting side on top. Yadav, in fact, ripped through the White Ferns' middle order, claiming the scalps of skipper Amy Satterthwaite (31), Lauren Down (0) and Amelia Kerr (28) in her quota of 10 overs. This was after Susie Bates (38) and Sophie Devine (28) gave New Zealand a solid start. But Devine's run out by Deepti Sharma triggered a collapse and New Zealand folded in 48.4 overs. Bates' 38 off 54 balls, including a couple of fours, was the best that any home batsman could manage. The next match of the series will be played in Mount Maunganui on January 29.

Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues guide India women to easy win over New Zealand

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">Bangladesh polls: Voting held in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">peaceful</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">call</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-held-in-peaceful-manner-says-sheikh-hasina-supporting-ec-rejecting-vote-rigging-complaints-187553">re poll</a>

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-diplomats-harassed-after-being-questioned-on-road-now-electricity-cut-for-4-hours-in-peak-winter-187521">Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter</a>

After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-case-ex-congress-leader-sajjan-kumar-surrenders-before-delhis-karkardooma-court-187501">1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail</a>

Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-dozens-missing-after-gas-explosion-hits-russia-high-rise-187531">4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise</a>

Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/smriti-mandhana-wins-icc-womens-cricketer-of-the-year-187494">India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year</a>

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide.

Bangladesh polls: Voting held in peaceful manner, says PM Hasina as election commission rejects call for re poll Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected opposition complaints of vote rigging and said people had gone to the polls enthusiastically in a largely peacefully general election that her ruling alliance swept with a landslide. Indian diplomats harassed: After being questioned on road, now electricity cut for 4 hours in peak winter After being questioned on the road for 30 minutes in Peshawar by Pakistani security agencies, another incident of harassment of Indian diplomats in Pakistan has come to fore. 1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Ex-Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrenders in Delhi court, to be lodged in Mandoli jail Former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday surrendered before a court here to serve the life sentence awarded to him by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. 4 dead, dozens missing after gas explosion hits Russia high-rise Four people were killed and nearly 70 unaccounted for after a gas explosion tore through a residential building in Russia on Monday, leaving hundreds without a home in freezing temperatures on New Year's Eve. India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.

India's&nbsp;vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.&nbsp;

Left-handed&nbsp;opener has been named in the women's ODI and T20&nbsp;teams of the year&nbsp;as the list announced by ICC on Monday.&nbsp;Harmanpreet Kaur has been appointed as the captain of women T20I team&nbsp;of the year.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old Mandhana, who played a crucial role in India's semi-final appearance at the women's T20 world cup in the West Indies, said, "The awards are pretty special because as a player when you score runs, you want the team to win, and then when you get acknowledged for your performances through these awards, it motivates you to work harder and do well for your team."&nbsp;

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India's star batter Smriti Mandhana bags Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award and Women's ODI Player of Year 2018! 👏 
 
READ 👇<a href="https://t.co/7TLSe2pblG">https://t.co/7TLSe2pblG</a> <a href="https://t.co/h0GtsKKsYG">pic.twitter.com/h0GtsKKsYG</a>
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Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-harmanpreet-kaur-named-captain-of-women-t20i-teams-of-the-year-by-icc-187481">Harmanpreet Kaur named </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-harmanpreet-kaur-named-captain-of-women-t20i-teams-of-the-year-by-icc-187481">captain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-harmanpreet-kaur-named-captain-of-women-t20i-teams-of-the-year-by-icc-187481"> of women T20I team of the year by ICC</a>

During the voting period, which ran from January 1 to December 31, 2018, Mandhana scored 669 runs at an average of 66.90 in 12 ODIs and 622 runs at a strike-rate of 130.67 in 25 T20Is.&nbsp;

She is currently ranked fourth in the ODI rankings and 10th in the rankings for T20Is, the ICC said in a statement.&nbsp;

Mandhana became only the second India woman player to win an ICC award after fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, who was named the ICC Player of the Year in 2007.

ICC chief David Richardson congratulated Mandhana, saying: "I congratulate [Smriti Mandhana] her on behalf of the ICC. Smriti enthralled fans with some wonderful performances in what was a memorable year for women's cricket, with the ICC Women's World T20 helping build on the momentum of last year's World Cup."&nbsp;

England’s Sophie Ecclestone named ICC Emerging Player of the Year.

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year.

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award for the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year and also named as ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year. Left-handed opener has been named in the women's ODI and T20 teams of the year as the list announced by ICC on Monday. Harmanpreet Kaur has been appointed as the captain of women T20I team of the year. The 22-year-old Mandhana, who played a crucial role in India's semi-final appearance at the women's T20 world cup in the West Indies, said, "The awards are pretty special because as a player when you score runs, you want the team to win, and then when you get acknowledged for your performances through these awards, it motivates you to work harder and do well for your team." India's star batter Smriti Mandhana bags Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award and Women's ODI Player of Year 2018! 👏 READ 👇https://t.co/7TLSe2pblG pic.twitter.com/h0GtsKKsYG — ICC (@ICC) 31 December 2018 × Also Read: Harmanpreet Kaur named captain of women T20I team of the year by ICC During the voting period, which ran from January 1 to December 31, 2018, Mandhana scored 669 runs at an average of 66.90 in 12 ODIs and 622 runs at a strike-rate of 130.67 in 25 T20Is. She is currently ranked fourth in the ODI rankings and 10th in the rankings for T20Is, the ICC said in a statement. Mandhana became only the second India woman player to win an ICC award after fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, who was named the ICC Player of the Year in 2007. ICC chief David Richardson congratulated Mandhana, saying: "I congratulate [Smriti Mandhana] her on behalf of the ICC. Smriti enthralled fans with some wonderful performances in what was a memorable year for women's cricket, with the ICC Women's World T20 helping build on the momentum of last year's World Cup." England’s Sophie Ecclestone named ICC Emerging Player of the Year.

India's Smriti Mandhana wins ICC women's cricketer and ODI player of the year

The acrimonious end to coach Ramesh Powar's tenure Monday split the Indian women's cricket team with T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana demanding his return despite senior player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/few-people-in-power-are-out-to-destroy-me-says-mithali-raj-179751">Mithali Raj's fallout with him</a>.&nbsp;

Committee of Administrators (COA) chairman Vinod Rai told PTI that Harmanpreet and Smriti have backed Powar to continue as coach till 2021. Powar's interim tenure ended on November 30 and the BCCI has already invited fresh applications for the job. Powar is free to re-apply.&nbsp;

"Yes, they have written a letter stating that they want Ramesh Powar to continue," Rai said.

Though Harmanpreet and Smriti are for Powar's extension, it is learnt that Ekta Bisht and Mansi Joshi are against his reinstatement along with ODI captain Mithali.&nbsp;

Powar's term ended a week after India lost the semifinals of the World T20 to England. The team management dropped Mithali for the knock-out fixture, triggering a huge controversy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/darkest-day-of-my-life-says-mithali-raj-after-coach-says-she-created-chaos-in-side-180166">Mithali</a> went on to accuse Powar and COA member Diana Edulji of trying to destroy her and having a bias against her.&nbsp;

Powar, on his part, accused Mithali of threatening to retire midway into the World T20 after being denied the opening slot and creating chaos in the team.&nbsp;

On Monday, things became more dramatic with Harmanpreet throwing her weight behind the former spinner.&nbsp;

"I, as the T20 captain and ODI vice-captain is appealing before you to allow Powar to further continue as our team coach. There are hardly 15 months for the next T20 World Cup and a month to go for the New Zealand tour. The way he has transformed us as a team, I feel no reason to replace him," Harmanpreet wrote in the letter which is in PTI's possession.

In the letter, which is also addressed to BCCI office-bearers, Harmanpreet and Smriti said the team has improved significantly since Powar was appointed full-time coach in August.&nbsp;

"Our defeat in the semi-finals was very disheartening and it brings us all to feel more miserable to see how the controversies has stained our image and questioned the entire cricket fraternity," Harmanpreet said.

"Sir Ramesh Powar not only improved us as players but did motivate us to set targets and challenge our own limits. He has changed the face of Indian women's cricket team both technically and strategically. He has inculcated in us the sense of winning."

The star batswoman also reiterated that dropping Mithali was a decision of the team management.

"With regard to the exclusion of Mithali Raj, Sir Ramesh Powar was not single handedly responsible. The decision was entirely based on the cricketing logics and observations from the past.&nbsp;

"Keeping in mind the need of the hour where me, Smriti, the selector (Sudha Shah) and the coach together in the presence of our manager felt that we should go ahead with the winning combination.&nbsp;

"And I believe it should have come to your understanding that the intent was not personal but entirely based for the welfare of the team."

Harmanpreet added that a change of coach at this juncture will hamper the team's growth.

"Another change of coach will effect our growth and we will have to start from the scratch. And whatever may be the reason for Ramesh Sir's and Mithali Raj's conflicts, they should solve it across the table like a family and call it truce. This will provide more sense and security to them and the entire team."

Mandhana too endorsed Harmanpreet's view on the controversial matter, saying Powar has made them better cricketers.

"Since the introduction of Powar, he along with the support staff has boosted our confidence as a team which has helped us win 14 consecutive T20 matches. He changed the intent of the players and gave everyone confidence," the opener wrote.&nbsp;

The deadline for applying for the coach's job ends on December 14 and the BCCI is looking for a high-profile candidate to fill the vacancy.

The acrimonious end to coach Ramesh Powar's tenure Monday split the Indian women's cricket team with T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana demanding his return despite senior player Mithali Raj's fallout with him.

The acrimonious end to coach Ramesh Powar's tenure Monday split the Indian women's cricket team with T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her deputy Smriti Mandhana demanding his return despite senior player Mithali Raj's fallout with him. Committee of Administrators (COA) chairman Vinod Rai told PTI that Harmanpreet and Smriti have backed Powar to continue as coach till 2021. Powar's interim tenure ended on November 30 and the BCCI has already invited fresh applications for the job. Powar is free to re-apply. "Yes, they have written a letter stating that they want Ramesh Powar to continue," Rai said. Though Harmanpreet and Smriti are for Powar's extension, it is learnt that Ekta Bisht and Mansi Joshi are against his reinstatement along with ODI captain Mithali. Powar's term ended a week after India lost the semifinals of the World T20 to England. The team management dropped Mithali for the knock-out fixture, triggering a huge controversy. Mithali went on to accuse Powar and COA member Diana Edulji of trying to destroy her and having a bias against her. Powar, on his part, accused Mithali of threatening to retire midway into the World T20 after being denied the opening slot and creating chaos in the team. On Monday, things became more dramatic with Harmanpreet throwing her weight behind the former spinner. "I, as the T20 captain and ODI vice-captain is appealing before you to allow Powar to further continue as our team coach. There are hardly 15 months for the next T20 World Cup and a month to go for the New Zealand tour. The way he has transformed us as a team, I feel no reason to replace him," Harmanpreet wrote in the letter which is in PTI's possession. In the letter, which is also addressed to BCCI office-bearers, Harmanpreet and Smriti said the team has improved significantly since Powar was appointed full-time coach in August. "Our defeat in the semi-finals was very disheartening and it brings us all to feel more miserable to see how the controversies has stained our image and questioned the entire cricket fraternity," Harmanpreet said. "Sir Ramesh Powar not only improved us as players but did motivate us to set targets and challenge our own limits. He has changed the face of Indian women's cricket team both technically and strategically. He has inculcated in us the sense of winning." The star batswoman also reiterated that dropping Mithali was a decision of the team management. "With regard to the exclusion of Mithali Raj, Sir Ramesh Powar was not single handedly responsible. The decision was entirely based on the cricketing logics and observations from the past. "Keeping in mind the need of the hour where me, Smriti, the selector (Sudha Shah) and the coach together in the presence of our manager felt that we should go ahead with the winning combination. "And I believe it should have come to your understanding that the intent was not personal but entirely based for the welfare of the team." Harmanpreet added that a change of coach at this juncture will hamper the team's growth. "Another change of coach will effect our growth and we will have to start from the scratch. And whatever may be the reason for Ramesh Sir's and Mithali Raj's conflicts, they should solve it across the table like a family and call it truce. This will provide more sense and security to them and the entire team." Mandhana too endorsed Harmanpreet's view on the controversial matter, saying Powar has made them better cricketers. "Since the introduction of Powar, he along with the support staff has boosted our confidence as a team which has helped us win 14 consecutive T20 matches. He changed the intent of the players and gave everyone confidence," the opener wrote. The deadline for applying for the coach's job ends on December 14 and the BCCI is looking for a high-profile candidate to fill the vacancy.

Harmanpreet, Smriti back Powar; women's team split on coach

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20.

Played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start, where Raj scored 56, her 16th T20I fifty, to propel India to another convincing win after beating New Zealand in the T20 opener by 34 runs.

India chased down the target with six balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 in 19 overs.&nbsp;

Last game centurion and captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy remained not out on 14 and 8 respectively. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Opting to field after winning the toss, India made a great start with the ball, reducing Pakistan to 30 for 3 at a point.&nbsp;

Pakistan made a fine recovery, thanks to half-centuries from Bismah Maroof (53) and Nida Dar (52) as the duo stitched 93 runs for the fourth wicket to take their side to a competitive total.

However, a flurry of wickets in the final two overs ensured Pakistan finished on 133/7.&nbsp;

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20.

Indian women's cricket team defeated Pakistan by seven wickets while chasing a mere134-run target set by their Pakistan in a Group B match of ICC Women's World T20. Played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana gave India a flying start, where Raj scored 56, her 16th T20I fifty, to propel India to another convincing win after beating New Zealand in the T20 opener by 34 runs. India chased down the target with six balls to spare, reaching 137 for 3 in 19 overs. Last game centurion and captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy remained not out on 14 and 8 respectively. Opting to field after winning the toss, India made a great start with the ball, reducing Pakistan to 30 for 3 at a point. Pakistan made a fine recovery, thanks to half-centuries from Bismah Maroof (53) and Nida Dar (52) as the duo stitched 93 runs for the fourth wicket to take their side to a competitive total. However, a flurry of wickets in the final two overs ensured Pakistan finished on 133/7.

ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj guides India to seven-wicket win over Pakistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced the 13-member squads for the Women’s T20 Challenge match to be played ahead of the IPL 2018 qualifier 1 on May 22 at the Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp

The contest will pit IPL Trailblazers, captained by Smriti Mandhana, against IPL Supernovas, to be led by Harmanpreet Kaur.

The one-off match will feature 26 players, including 10 international cricketers from Australia, England and New Zealand.

As per reports, Australia captain Meg Lanning has recovered from her injury and is set to be a part of the Supernovas which also features England’s Danielle Wyatt, Mithali Raj, Ellyse Perry, Veda Krishnamurthy.&nbsp

Taniya Bhatia will be the wicketkeeper for Supernovas.&nbsp

On the other side, India’s left-handed opener Mandhana will lead the Trailblazers which has key members including Alyssa Healy (wicketkeeper), Suzie Bates, rising Indian sensation Jemimah Rodrigues and highest wicket-taker in ODIs Jhulan Goswami.

Committee of Administrators (CoA) member and former India captain, Diana Edulji had said at the time of announcement of the captains, “We are excited to announce the first-of-its-kind exhibition match involving our women cricketers. BCCI has been pulling out all stops to promote and nurture women’s cricket and this is a small yet significant step towards a prospective league involving women’s stars in the future."

"The IPL is the biggest and most popular league in the world and it has been a long-time endeavour to have a women’s league that can match the exuberance of IPL," she added.

IPL Trailblazers: Alyssa Healy (wk), Smriti Mandhana (c), Suzie Bates, Deepti Sharma, Beth Mooney, Jemimah Rodrigues, Danielle Hazell, Shikha Pandey, Lea Tahuhu, Jhulan Goswami, Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav, Dayalan Hemalatha

IPL Supernovas: Danielle Wyatt, Mithali Raj, Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mona Meshram, Pooja Vastrakar, Megan Schutt, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Anuja Patil, Taniya Bhatia (wk)

The T20 match will begin at 2 PM and will be followed by the IPL 2018 Qualifier 1 at 7 PM.

The contest will pit IPL Trailblazers, captained by Smriti Mandhana, against IPL Supernovas, to be led by Harmanpreet Kaur.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday announced the 13-member squads for the Women’s T20 Challenge match to be played ahead of the IPL 2018 qualifier 1 on May 22 at the Wankhede Stadium. The contest will pit IPL Trailblazers, captained by Smriti Mandhana, against IPL Supernovas, to be led by Harmanpreet Kaur. The one-off match will feature 26 players, including 10 international cricketers from Australia, England and New Zealand. As per reports, Australia captain Meg Lanning has recovered from her injury and is set to be a part of the Supernovas which also features England’s Danielle Wyatt, Mithali Raj, Ellyse Perry, Veda Krishnamurthy. Taniya Bhatia will be the wicketkeeper for Supernovas. On the other side, India’s left-handed opener Mandhana will lead the Trailblazers which has key members including Alyssa Healy (wicketkeeper), Suzie Bates, rising Indian sensation Jemimah Rodrigues and highest wicket-taker in ODIs Jhulan Goswami. Committee of Administrators (CoA) member and former India captain, Diana Edulji had said at the time of announcement of the captains, “We are excited to announce the first-of-its-kind exhibition match involving our women cricketers. BCCI has been pulling out all stops to promote and nurture women’s cricket and this is a small yet significant step towards a prospective league involving women’s stars in the future." "The IPL is the biggest and most popular league in the world and it has been a long-time endeavour to have a women’s league that can match the exuberance of IPL," she added. IPL Trailblazers: Alyssa Healy (wk), Smriti Mandhana (c), Suzie Bates, Deepti Sharma, Beth Mooney, Jemimah Rodrigues, Danielle Hazell, Shikha Pandey, Lea Tahuhu, Jhulan Goswami, Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav, Dayalan Hemalatha IPL Supernovas: Danielle Wyatt, Mithali Raj, Meg Lanning, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mona Meshram, Pooja Vastrakar, Megan Schutt, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Anuja Patil, Taniya Bhatia (wk) The T20 match will begin at 2 PM and will be followed by the IPL 2018 Qualifier 1 at 7 PM.

BCCI announce squads for Women's T20 Challenge

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has nominated star openers of both men's and women's cricket team, Shikhar Dhawan and Smriti Mandhana for prestigious Arjuna award.

BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhury said on Wednesday said, "We have sent the communication to the Government of India."

Shikhar Dhawan is currently playing in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League for Hyderabad franchise.&nbsp

&nbsp

Shikhar Dhawan is currently playing in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League for Hyderabad franchise

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has nominated star openers of both men's and women's cricket team, Shikhar Dhawan and Smriti Mandhana for prestigious Arjuna award. BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhury said on Wednesday said, "We have sent the communication to the Government of India." Shikhar Dhawan is currently playing in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League for Hyderabad franchise.

Shikhar Dhawan, Smriti Mandhana nominated for Arjuna Award

Ace shuttler PV Sindhu and Indian women's team cricketer Smriti Mandhana are part of the third annual Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 list released on Tuesday in Singapore.

Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list features 300 young innovators and disruptors who are re-inventing their industries and driving change across a diverse region. Youngsters from fields like arts, sports, entertainment, social enterprises, technology, finance, manufacturing and others make the list.

These youngsters are selected from thousands of online nominations, several rounds of scrutiny, and vetted by a panel of experts.

The list features over 10 categories namely - the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) Entertainment & Sports Finance & Venture Capital Media, Marketing & Advertising Retail & E-commerce Enterprise Technology Industry, Manufacturing & Energy Healthcare & Science Social Entrepreneurs and Consumer Technology.

And its 'Sports and Entertainment' category feature none other than ace shuttler P V Sindhu and cricketer Smriti Mandhana.

Apart from Sindhu and Mandhana, in the Sports and Entertainment category, actor-producer Anushka Sharma and Indian National Polo team captain Padmanabh Singh have been honoured by making it to the coveted list.

These youngsters are selected from thousands of online nominations, several rounds of scrutiny, and vetted by a panel of experts.

Ace shuttler PV Sindhu and Indian women's team cricketer Smriti Mandhana are part of the third annual Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 list released on Tuesday in Singapore. Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list features 300 young innovators and disruptors who are re-inventing their industries and driving change across a diverse region. Youngsters from fields like arts, sports, entertainment, social enterprises, technology, finance, manufacturing and others make the list. These youngsters are selected from thousands of online nominations, several rounds of scrutiny, and vetted by a panel of experts. The list features over 10 categories namely - the Arts (Art & Style, Food & Drink) Entertainment & Sports Finance & Venture Capital Media, Marketing & Advertising Retail & E-commerce Enterprise Technology Industry, Manufacturing & Energy Healthcare & Science Social Entrepreneurs and Consumer Technology. And its 'Sports and Entertainment' category feature none other than ace shuttler P V Sindhu and cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Apart from Sindhu and Mandhana, in the Sports and Entertainment category, actor-producer Anushka Sharma and Indian National Polo team captain Padmanabh Singh have been honoured by making it to the coveted list.

PV Sindhu, Smriti Mandhana in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list

Smriti Mandhana extended her rich vein of form in her maiden tour of South Africa by registering her third fifty-plus score across formats.

Mithali Raj also scored her fourth successive half-century in the 20-over format - her second in the current series against South Africa - to help India secure a nine-wicket victory.&nbsp;

With this win, India took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.

As many as seven South African batters got into double digits to help the hosts finish with a total of 142 for 7.&nbsp;

Poonam Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs.&nbsp;

In reply, India rode on a 106-run stand between Mandhana, 57 off 42 and Raj 76 not out off 61, with the latter scoring her third unbeaten half-century in as many innings in T20Is.&nbsp;

India&#39;s T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to find the boundaries and finished the match without one.&nbsp;

But Raj didn&#39;t get the pressure get to India as she found the fence four times in the last four overs, including one off Shabnim Ismail off the first ball of the final over which helped India over the line.

Mandhana registered her third fifty-plus score across formats

Smriti Mandhana extended her rich vein of form in her maiden tour of South Africa by registering her third fifty-plus score across formats. Mithali Raj also scored her fourth successive half-century in the 20-over format - her second in the current series against South Africa - to help India secure a nine-wicket victory. With this win, India took a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. As many as seven South African batters got into double digits to help the hosts finish with a total of 142 for 7. Poonam Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs. In reply, India rode on a 106-run stand between Mandhana, 57 off 42 and Raj 76 not out off 61, with the latter scoring her third unbeaten half-century in as many innings in T20Is. India's T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled to find the boundaries and finished the match without one. But Raj didn't get the pressure get to India as she found the fence four times in the last four overs, including one off Shabnim Ismail off the first ball of the final over which helped India over the line.

Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana power India to 2-0 lead

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