Colombo, Oct 4 (NationPress) As India prepares to confront their long-standing rivals Pakistan in their second ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match in Colombo this Sunday, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana eloquently expressed the sentiments that surround one of cricket's most significant rivalries.

“The vibe is always electrifying during India–Pakistan matches; the stadium is always packed. Everyone you encounter since morning urges you to win. Such an atmosphere can really elevate your performance. My teammates and I truly relish it,” Mandhana shared in a dialogue with JioStar, just before the much-anticipated encounter.

The pressure is consistently high when India faces Pakistan, and Mandhana’s remarks highlight not only the competitive zeal but also the sense of pride that accompanies donning the Indian jersey in these matchups. India, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, kicked off their World Cup journey with a victory, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in a rain-impacted game in Guwahati. On the other hand, Pakistan faced a setback in their opening match, losing to Bangladesh by seven wickets in Colombo—making Sunday’s clash pivotal for both teams.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has participated in numerous India–Pakistan contests, mentioned that these games hold a unique significance for every cricketer. “We have grown up watching India–Pakistan matches and always aspired to play in them. We constantly remind ourselves to approach it like any other match while maintaining our focus,” she remarked, emphasizing the equilibrium between passion and composure that India aims to uphold.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma echoed similar feelings about the rivalry’s fervor. “The significance and thrill of India–Pakistan matches are always more intense compared to others. We eagerly anticipate that battle and remain alert when facing them,” she stated.

From the opposing side, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana reminisced about her experiences against India and the mutual admiration shared between both teams. “I was quite young during the last World Cup in 2022, and after the Pakistan–India match, the entire Indian team came to connect with us. The way they celebrated, mingled, and enjoyed each other's company was genuinely special. That was the moment I realized we share a wonderful bond with the Indian team, and I cherished it,” she recalled.

Confident in her side’s readiness, Fatima added, “I have faith in our team based on the players’ performances in recent months. Everyone is in prime condition and performing exceptionally well. We recognize the strength of the Indian team, especially after observing their performance against Australia in the last series; Mandhana, Jemimah, and Richa played superbly. Both teams are familiar with the conditions. We will strive to play excellent cricket against them.”

She also praised her Indian counterpart. “Harmanpreet Kaur is certainly a seasoned and experienced player. The way she leads the Indian team with so much expectation is commendable. She is a highly impactful player; she can attack and defend when necessary,” Fatima commented.