Harmanpreet Kaur prepared for titanic battle against Aussies
Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India scraped past Ireland in a rain-affected game to seal their semi-final spot in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. The Women in Blue will face the formidable Australian team in the knockout clash, and the Indian skipper has pledged to give their best against the defending champions.
Team India qualified for their third successive T20 World Cup semi-final after defeating Ireland by five runs via the D/L method. However, they will face Australia in their next match, a familiar foe who has often proved to be a hurdle too big for the Asian outfit.
Harmanpreet Kaur is wary of the challenge that lies ahead for her players but is adamant about giving their 100% against the defending champions. Kaur labelled the match as a ‘do or die’ contest but expects her players to rise to the occasion.
“(It) Means a lot, we are working a lot and wanted to do well whenever we get the opportunity. Good to get into the semis and we will give our 100%. We always enjoy our matches against them. It will be a do or die and we want to play good cricket,” Harmanpreet said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Just wanted to go up and spend some time in the middle: Harmanpreet Kaur
Talking about the match, Kaur praised elegant Indian opener Smriti Mandhana, who laid the foundation for India’s victory with a spectacular 87 off 56 deliveries. Mandhana’s innings propelled India to a challenging total of 155 runs on a sluggish surface despite a mini-collapse by the middle-order batters.
“Good game for us. Smriti got runs, which is very important for us. Whenever she gives us starts we get to a good total. Just wanted to go up and spend some time in the middle, since I haven’t really got (to do) that,” the Indian skipper added.
