New Delhi: Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will face New Zealand in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on October 4. After that, The Women in Blue will face arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6 and Sri Lanka on October 9 in Dubai. Team India will square off against Australia in the last group-stage match in Sharjah on October 13.
The Women in Blue are placed in Group A along with New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa, England and Scotland are placed in Group B. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-final.
‘India needs to be very careful when playing against Australia’: Harbhajan Singh
Speaking to Star Sports, Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh said that Harmanpreet and Co. need to be careful against Australia. The Aussies are the most successful team in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, making it to the 7 finals out of the 8 editions. Harbhajan further added that all the matches in the tournament are important but the match against Australia will be a little tough.
“Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions. But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat. So, the biggest challenge for India maybe Australia. Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India. So, that will also be a good contest” Harbhajan Singh said on Star Sports.
‘India’s team is very strong’: Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan also spoke about India’s chances in the Women’s T20 World Cup and said that they are the team to beat in this tournament as they have both experience and youth. He further added that Harmanpreet and Smriti are in good form and if The Women in Blue plays good cricket then have a chance of winning the tournament.
“Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament. The World Cup is about to start, and I think India’s team is very strong. They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner. They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket. The unit looks solid. If Team India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament” Harbhajan added.
The former India cricketer advised The Women in Blue to keep things simple in their pursuit to lift the trophy and said that they have to try their best and not take any pressure. Harbhajan also said that Team India needs to take small steps with each match and focus on the process.
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh revealed the biggest challenge for the Women in Blue in the T20 World Cup 2024. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today