Harbhajan Singh, who was a member of India’s World Cup winning elusive spinner, feels that the team, under captain Harmanpreet Kaur, will be fighting evenly against Australia and Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. His prescient views whether they come to fruition or otherwise, the tournament will be launched in the UAE. India have been placed in Group A together with Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand and Pakistan.
“In such cases, Australia has recently made a return to the team and should be on guard when going up against India. I looked at this group and it has Australia New Zealand, Pakistan and Srilanka to mention a few. But one match that he says may be a bit rough is the India Australia match,” said Harbhajan, speaking to Star Sports.
“In terms of the results, Australia is a strong side as these games are being played in Dubai on sub continent pitches which may not be to their liking as compared to the conditions back at home. But there is one team Australia which no matter where they play becomes very difficult to beat. So if there is to be a big hurdle for India Africa I fear it may be Australia,” he said.
Unfortunately for Harbhajans which emotions were quite justified in fact, India have beaten 7 times out 32 T20 easy questions against Australia 23 times dunkling. This is because even at 44 years, he still cautioned Indian cricket at Sri Lanka another thrush in its way.
The Islanders have most recently defeated India in the final of the Asia Cup, with Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama putting in match-winning performances.
“Sri Lanka too will be buoyed, thanks to the confidence of their recent series victory above the Indians, when these two teams face each other. Quite a contest that too.”
But Harbhajan had little doubts that India have the skill sets to land their maiden ICC title.
“India should be the team to beat at this tournament. Middle order has blend of experience and youth. There is Harman (captain Harmanpreet Kaur), who is in good form. There is Smriti Mandhana, who is also in good form, and Deepti Sharma, who is an outstanding spinner.”
“They are a very capable team and have been in a good run of form too. One looks at the unit and it looks solid. The tournament is there for the taking for those like India who play well through out,” he reckoned.
The former organistaion of 711 international wickets also suggested the Indians that they focus and play out such games without thinking the importance of the particular match.
“Now you have to put every thing out and give your best and do not take any pressure. There are such things which at this level there is no need to think about results. Only to know yourself, and play as a team. Everything else will come.”
“Do not look at the whole situation, just concentrate on the first one and work at it slowly, little by little. I believe that if they follow these things, our team’s performance will be very good,” he went on to say.
