Derby: Their confidence on an all-time high after back-to-back wins, India would look to continue their unbeaten streak when they clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in their third game of the ICC Women’s World Cup, here Sunday. They would definitely start as overwhelming favourites as Pakistan have looked below-par in the tournament so far.
However, even after registering comprehensive wins against England and the West Indian eves, the Indians are not ready to take the Pakistan eves lightly, even though they have emerged victors in the last four encounters the two sides have met.
“Tomorrow (Sunday) will be a fresh game, a new start,” said skipper Mithali Raj before the training session. “We have achieved the momentum, we would like to keep that going in each and every game,” she added.
Sana Mir-led Pakistan, on the other hand, are yet to taste victory in the tournament. They have lost by three wickets to South Africa before being handed a heavy 107 runs defeat via D/L method by England.
And come Sunday, they would be desperate to open their account and what better it can be if they can taste success at the expense of traditional rivals India.
But Mir knows it is easier said than done. With the side’s morale at an all time low, Mir knows that only a victory against India will keep the hopes alive in the tournament.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, so we are not under any pressure. We will go all out to get victory against India,” Mir told reporters. “However, we will have to improve in all three departments of the game if we are to beat India,” she added.
India’s Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order has been in fantastic form and that augurs well for the side. The spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Poonam Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur showed their prowess while destroying the West Indies batswomen. Even though pacer Jhulan Goswami is yet to pick up a wicket in the two games, she has bowled well and it is matter of time before she gets her name on the wickets column.
Press Trust of India
