Indian team under the leadership of Mithali Raj started the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign on a positive note after they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 107 runs. Indian team will take on hosts New Zealand in the World Cup on March 10, in Hamilton.
Jhulan speaks
In a situation like this, veteran Indian pacer Jhulan Goswami has talked about the upcoming fixture and she feels that the match against New Zealand “is totally going to be a different ball game.”
“Well, definitely because that was the plan (of playing ODIs in New Zealand). Just before World Cup, we had to acclimatise to these conditions, wickets and come back to play fresh in this World Cup. Tomorrow’s match is totally going to be a different ball game; it’s a fresh game and a World Cup game. We are definitely looking forward to make sure that we do well," Jhulan said in a pre-match virtual press conference.
“This wicket looks to be a high-scoring and looks pretty flat. We all are expecting some good score on the scoreboards and definitely, we have a plan. We will try to execute but it is going to be very important on how will you execute those plans on that particular day. We have done our work but it’s going to be different on match day. How you control the pressure and handle your nerves to execute the plans, it’s going to be important. Let’s hope for the best," she further added.
Shafali's form
On the other hand while talking about Indian opening batter Shafali Varma’s current form, Jhulan said that if Shafali gets the opportunity “she’s going to do well.”
“I think Shafali already proved herself — she is another very exciting cricketer. But these things happen with every cricketer, sometimes they perform well,
sometimes, little bit here and there. But I’m sure that she will (come good). She’s working hard really well in the nets and batting well in the nets, hitting the ball really well. I hope she will come (good), she is just one big knock away, and if she gets the opportunity, I’m sure definitely she’s going to do well because she is a very exciting cricketer for us."
Indian team under Mithali Raj’s leadership will want to keep the winning momentum alive in the World Cup after defeating Pakistan in the opening game. Batting first, Indian team had registered a total of 244 runs losing 7 wickets against Pakistan. In reply, Pakistan could only reach a paltry total of 137. India’s left-arm bowler Rajeshwari Gayakwad picked up four wickets to secure victory for her side.
