File Pic: Harmanpreet Kaur leads out the team. (Getty Images)
BENGALURU: With a 137-run win over Hong Kong, India sealed their place in the Women’s Asia Cup semifinals with a match to spare. Their final league outing, however, will be their toughest test yet after they brushed aside minnows Thailand and Hong Kong in their opening two games. With India’s middle order still a concern, former India captain Mithali Raj has urged the team to focus on cricket rather than get consumed by the noise surrounding the rivalry.
On Saturday in Dubai, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team take on cross-border rivals Pakistan in what could serve as a dress rehearsal ahead of next week’s semifinal.
Sending a message to the Indian team, the 43-year-old added: “For the players, it is a cricket match after all, and it’s important to keep calm to do well on the ground. Winning this game is a matter of pride and therefore, the added pressure on the team to perform,” she said. I believe India, of course, are the favourites to win the match. ” Mithali also believes the Asia Cup should be viewed as more than just preparation for the upcoming Asian Games , where India will defend the gold medal they won on their debut in the previous edition.
“It’s an emotional and traditional rivalry. The India vs Pakistan game means a lot to each player. If you focus too much on what it means outside the boundary, you create unnecessary pressure. The atmosphere and expectations will be different, but once you cross the boundary, you have to focus on your role and the team’s plans.