India’s Harmanpreet Kaur in action during the Women’s T20 World Cup. , Photo Credit: AP
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on Monday said she is looking forward to a possible Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against defending champions Australia.
India qualified for the last four after beating Ireland by five runs on a rain-adjusted target in their last group match at St George’s Park in Gkebera.
India join England as qualifiers from Group Two, with both sides having won three matches each.
England, however, have to play Pakistan in Cape Town on Tuesday. A win would guarantee them the top spot but a loss is likely to see them emerge as group winners owing to a better net run rate.
Australia has already won Group Two, so it is almost certain that India will play as runners-up in Group One in the semi-finals.
Ms Kaur said India had gained confidence from playing the series against Australia in India last season, despite winning only one match – and that was the Super Over.
He pointed out that in World Cup games all teams including champion teams like Australia were under pressure.
“The brand of cricket we played (against Australia) gave us a lot of confidence,” Ms Kaur said. “We have a fair idea of how we need to go about the next game and will plan accordingly.”
Smriti Mandhana scored a career-best 87 in T20 Internationals as India posted 155 for six. By the time rain stopped play, Ireland were 54 for two in 8.2 overs, with Gabby Lewis unbeaten on 32.
A strong, gusty wind made conditions difficult and Ms Mandhana was smashed into the outfield four times during her 56-ball knock which included nine fours and three sixes.
Teenage talent Shafali Verma again struggled at the top of the batting order, scoring 24 off 29 balls, but Ms Kaur said she remained an important player.
“We always encourage her to express herself. We’re always in the game when she clicks. She’s been batting well in practice. We know how important she is,” Ms Kaur said. .
Ireland made a disastrous start to their reply when Amy Hunter was run out attempting a second run after hitting the first ball of the innings over midwicket.
Four balls later, Prendergast was bowled by Renuka Thakur without scoring any runs.
But Ms Lewis and captain Laura Delany, who earlier took three for 33, shared an unbeaten 53-run partnership.
Ms Delaney admitted she was unaware of how close she was to a potential winning position.
“The weather changed so quickly,” she said.
Although Ireland lost all their matches, Ms Delany said they had made progress since their first World T20 in 2018.
“We weren’t on a level playing field back then,” she said. “Now we have contracts and things are going in the right direction.”
Ms Delany said Ireland needed to work hard on many aspects of their game, particularly the fielding.
“We need to put ourselves under more pressure in training and play with more freedom and confidence,” she said.