World Cup match against New Zealand is going to be a different ball game: Goswami

New Zealand hammered India 4-1 in the five-match ODI series prior to the 2022 World Cup but experienced pacer Jhulan Goswami believes that Thursday’s encounter against the hosts is going to be completely different and her team is ready for the challenge. India commenced their campaign with an authoritative win against Pakistan, while New Zealand recovered from their loss against West Indies in the tournament-opener and got the better of Bangladesh.

“Well, definitely because that was the plan (of playing ODIs in New Zealand). Just before the World Cup, we had to acclimatise to these conditions, wickets and come back to play fresh in this World Cup. Tomorrow’s match is totally going to be a different ball game; it’s a fresh game and a World Cup game. We are definitely looking forward to making sure that we do well," said Goswami in the pre-match virtual press conference.

The Women in Blue were reduced to 114/6 against Pakistan but Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar scored match-defining fifties and propelled their team to a fighting total of 244. In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for just 137 and India won the game by 107 runs. There have been talks about India’s bowling not being tested enough against Pakistan but Goswami feels they did well as a unit.

“We bowled well as a group; we hit the ball in right areas. New-ball bowlers restricted them very well in the first 10 overs and then spinners were able to get a bit of turn on that wicket. Restricting them to below 150 runs is quite a good achievement as a bowling unit."

This encounter will be played at the Seddon Park in Hamilton, which also hosted England vs Australia. The latter amassed 310/3 in the first innings but England fell short by only 12 runs. “This wicket looks to be high-scoring and looks pretty flat,” said Goswami.

“We all are expecting some good score and definitely, we have a plan. We will try to execute but it is going to be very important on how you execute those plans on that particular day. We have done our work but it’s going to be different on match day. How you control the pressure and handle your nerves to execute the plans, it’s going to be important. Let’s hope for the best."

With scores of 0, 9, 0, 51, 24 and 12 in her last six ODI innings, Shafali Verma hasn't been at her best in New Zealand but Goswami said that the young opener is just one good knock away from returning back to form. 

"I think Shefali already proved herself — she is another very exciting cricketer. But these things happen with every cricketer, sometimes they perform well, sometimes, little bit here and there. But I’m sure that she will (come good). She’s working hard really well in the nets and batting well in the nets, hitting the ball really well. I hope she will come (good), she is just one big knock away, and if she gets the opportunity, I’m sure she's definitely going to do well because she is a very exciting cricketer for us."

The 39-year-old is only two wickets away from becoming the highest wicket-taker in the Women's World Cup. Goswami currently has 38 wickets to her name, just one short of Australia's Lyn Fullston (39). "Yes, that matters, that gives you a lot of joy, but important is how you contribute to the team. I enjoy when I contribute and the team wins.

"Personal individual milestones don’t matter much to me, because I am an absolute team player. I always try to contribute as much as I can and whatever milestones I achieve – I will definitely try to enjoy those.