Follow UsThe group of death in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is heating up with just two encounters left, and four teams still in contention (mathematically) for the top two spots.
The Indian team had a horrific start to their campaign, as they lost their first game to New Zealand by 58 runs. The victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka have certainly improved their net run-rate (NRR), however, they still need to win their last remaining game against defending champions Australia, and ensure that the margin of their victory is big.
That’s because New Zealand, who are also on four points in three games like India, play their last game in the group against Pakistan on October 14 and would know the exact margin by which they need to win by to ensure their qualification for the semi-finals.
Also read - Qualifications scenario: India, New Zealand in a tight race for semi-finals
Speaking to the press on the eve of their contest against Australia, the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur wanted to control the controllables and not think too much about what New Zealand might do against Pakistan.
“For us tomorrow's game is important and we'll try to play our best cricket. After us, when New Zealand and Pakistan are playing, those things are not in our hands and we don't even want to discuss those things,” Harmanpreet said.
“But for us, tomorrow is an important match. And we just want to keep things simple and just focus on tomorrow's game.”
Harmanpreet stressed that India must prepare mentally for the Australian challenge that lies ahead for them in Sharjah.
“It’s a very important game for us and definitely you need a strong mind to play this game because it's a last league game,” the batter from Moga, Punjab said.
(There are a) lot of things we have to keep in mind and play and definitely going there you need a strong mindset, and at the same time we just want to go there and play freely and enjoy our game because end of the day when you're enjoying, you can always get the results and at the same time I think we just need to go there and enjoy our cricket.
I know it's an important game, just keeping yourself in the present and seeing what is required for the team and playing accordingly, I think that's more important.”
When the Indian women will take the field in Sharjah against Australia, it will be the first time in nearly 24 years that an Indian international side will play at the storeyed ground where the Indian men’s side used to play a lot of games in the 1990s.
“I remember when Sachin sir played a crucial inning here against Australia,” Harmanpreet remarked when asked about what it means for her and the team to play at the ground.
“That is something I definitely remember growing up and after COVID, we didn't know how things were going to be. But after a long break, we got a chance to play [at the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2020]. I think both the memories are very close to my heart.
“And yeah, this ground is beautiful to play. I think any ground is important for any player. But same thing for this stadium also, and tomorrow is a big day for us. We just want to go there and enjoy,” the Indian skipper said.
The game against Australia on October 13 in Sharjah will be India’s last group game of the tournament.
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