NEW DELHI: Sanjay Manjrekar, former India cricketer, believes that every player in Harmanpreet Kaur's team must give their best in the upcoming clash against defending champions Australia in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at Sharjah.
Australia, currently top-ranked, has won all three of their Group A games so far. This sets up a three-way battle between India, New Zealand, and Pakistan for the remaining semifinal spot.
India's hopes of advancing received a significant boost after an 82-run victory over Sri Lanka, improving their Net Run Rate (NRR) to +0.567.
"The Indian Women's T20 team has been on a roll, but the real test lies ahead in their match against Australia. It's a clash of titans, and we need every player to step up and deliver their best. It’s India’s test of their advancement in women’s cricket as Australia is the benchmark in world cricket," Manjrekar said.
To secure a semifinal spot, third-ranked India must win their critical match against Australia at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Additionally, they need a superior Net Run Rate compared to either Australia or New Zealand, assuming those teams win their remaining games.
In the event of a loss, India will need Pakistan and New Zealand to have a lower NRR, provided all teams end up with four points each.
India's chances appear slightly better after Australian fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck and captain Alyssa Healy exited their recent game against Pakistan with injuries. Vlaeminck suffered a dislocated shoulder, while Healy injured her right foot.
