Women's World Cup 2025 | Intense atmosphere can bring out the best in you: Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana. Pic/AFP

India and Pakistan are set to meet in their group-stage contest on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium for one of the marquee fixtures in the tournament.

India skipper Harmanpreet said growing up watching encounters between the arch-rivals made the experience of playing in them even more special.

"We have grown up watching India-Pakistan games and always wanted to be a part of them. We always talk about treating it as any other game and staying focused," Harmanpreet told JioStar.

Her deputy Mandhana admitted that the occasion always carries a different intensity. "The atmosphere during India-Pakistan games is always very intense; it's always a full house. Everyone you meet since morning tells you to win. That sort of atmosphere also brings out the best in you sometimes. My teammates and I absolutely enjoy that," Mandhana said.

The Indian women's team have never lost an ODI to Pakistan, winning all 11 encounters.

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