Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur's India aiming for the elusive ICC title

With the Indian U-19 Women's team finally ending India's long wait for a World Cup trophy in women's cricket, the stage is all set for the senior side to try and emulate the young girls' success at the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Ranked fourth in the format, the Women in Blue will be hoping to finally put an end to the bitter memories from their past campaigns at ICC events.

The 2017 ODI World Cup final loss was where it all started as the team faltered right on the cusp of glory, losing to hosts England in the final.

Losing to a dominant Australian side in the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal match will also be fresh in the minds of Harmanpreet Kaur's side. They were, in fact, the only side to have beaten the Aussies in any match in 2022 and will be hoping to do it again at this year's World Cup.

While India's batting continues to be their strong suit, their inexperienced pace battery will have to rise to the challenge in the African nation. The U-19 World Cup-winning duo of Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh will also feature for Harmanpreet Kaur's side, and India will be hoping for their explosive youngsters to come to the party in the African nation.

The Women in Blue will begin their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 12.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup: India’s chances will largely be dependent on top-order - Mithali Raj