New Delhi / Bengaluru / Colombo — As the 13th ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup is underway from September 30 in India and Sri Lanka, team captains expressed confidence and excitement during the Special Captains’ Day events held in Bengaluru and Colombo. The tournament, featuring eight participating nations, will run until November 2, with matches scheduled across five venues: Guwahati, Indore, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam in India, and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Representing India at Home is Special:
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur said, “Representing your country is always a proud moment for any player, but leading the team in the Women’s ODI World Cup at home is even more special. Every team here has an equal chance of winning the title, which shows how far women’s cricket has developed. We are thrilled to see stadiums filled with fans, something we have never experienced before, and we will fully enjoy this support. Playing the World Cup at home is always unique, and we are determined to give our best.”
Australia Eyes Title Defense:
Australia’s current champions captain, Alyssa Healy, acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “Defending the Women’s ODI World Cup title won’t be easy. To win, you must beat every team, which makes the tournament truly exciting. This World Cup will be one of the toughest we have ever faced, but we are focused on the challenge.”
Sri Lanka Focuses on Natural Play:
Co-host Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Atapattu emphasized a balanced approach, stating, “Playing at home with the full support of our fans gives us great energy. We want to enjoy every moment of the World Cup and will focus on one match at a time, playing our natural game without putting too much pressure on ourselves.”
England’s Young Talent Shines:
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt highlighted her team’s balance, saying, “The energy from cricket fans in India is unique, and our team includes many highly talented young players making their World Cup debuts. Experienced players help balance the team, and I am confident this tournament will be excellent for everyone.”
New Zealand’s Confidence:
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said, “It feels great to have the confidence that we can win a tournament like the World Cup. Every team starts fresh, and Australia and England have set high standards, so we must give our best performance. This is an excellent opportunity for women’s cricket.”
South Africa Focuses on Each Match:
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt stated, “In a tournament like the World Cup, every team is strong. Rather than focusing on big names, our strategy will be to take it one match at a time and approach each game with focus.”
Pakistan and Bangladesh Eye Strong Starts:
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana added, “Playing in Colombo will benefit us, as all our matches are there. Our main goal is to reach the top four, and Sri Lanka’s conditions are similar to ours.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said, “This is our second Women’s ODI World Cup. Having gained experience at home and abroad, we are eagerly awaiting the tournament. It is a big opportunity for all of us, and we are ready to perform for our supporters.”
The 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup promises thrilling contests, with every captain emphasizing fair competition, home advantage, and the growing prominence of women’s cricket across the globe.
