Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated on Monday she appeared ahead to a possible Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final in opposition to defending champion Australia.
India certified for the final 4 when it beat Ireland by 5 runs on a rain-adjusted goal in its final group match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
India joined England as qualifier from Group Two with either side having gained three matches.
England, nevertheless, nonetheless need to play Pakistan in Cape Town on Tuesday. Victory would assure it prime spot however it’s doubtless group winner even when it loses due to a superior web run fee.
Australia has already gained Group Two, so is sort of sure to play India as runners-up in Group One within the semi-finals.
Kaur stated India had gained confidence from having performed Australia in a collection in India final season, regardless of solely profitable one sport — and that was on a brilliant over.
She identified that each one groups, together with champion sides like Australia, had been below strain in World Cup video games.
“The brand of cricket we played (against Australia) gave us a lot of confidence,” stated Kaur. “We have a fair idea of how we have to go about the next game and we will make our plans accordingly.”
Smriti Mandhana hit a T20 worldwide career-best 87 as India made 155 for six. Ireland had been with 54 for 2 from 8.2 overs, with Gaby Lewis 32 not out, when rain ended play.
A powerful, swirling wind made situations tough and Mandhana was dropped 4 occasions within the outfield throughout a 56-ball innings which included 9 fours and three sixes.
Teenage prodigy Shafali Verma struggled once more on the prime of the batting order, making 24 off 29 balls, however Kaur stated she remained a key participant.
“We always encourage her to express herself. Whenever she clicks we are always into the game. In practice she is batting well. We know how important she is,” stated Kaur.
Ireland made a disastrous begin to their reply when Amy Hunter was run out off the primary ball of the innings, trying a second run after hitting the ball to midwicket.
Four balls later Prendergast was bowled by Renuka Thakur with out scoring.
But Lewis and captain Laura Delany, who earlier took three for 33, shared a spirited unbeaten partnership of 53.
Delany admitted that they’d been unaware of how shut they’d been to a potential profitable scenario.
“The weather changed so quickly,” she stated.
Although Ireland misplaced all their matches, Delany stated they’d made progress since their first World T20 in 2018.
“We were not on a level playing field then,” she stated. “Now we have contracts and things are heading in the right direction.”
Delany stated Ireland wanted to work laborious on a number of features of their sport, notably fielding.
“We need to put ourselves under more pressure in training and to play with freedom and confidence,” she stated.
Brief scores:
India 155-6 in 20 overs (S. Mandhana 87; O. Prendergast 2-22, L. Delany 3-33)
Ireland 54-2 in 8.3 overs (G. Lewis 32 not out)
Result: India gained by 5 runs (Duckworth/Lewis technique)
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com