Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik feels that the Women in Blue well and truly have the momentum heading into the much-anticipated World Cup final against South Africa. India had reached the final after defeating defending champions Australia in what was a dramatic semi-final encounter. They chased down the mammoth target of 339 thanks to brilliant knocks from both Jemimah Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. Though South Africa did come out victorious against India in the league stage, Karthik believes that the hosts have the goods to clicnh their maiden World Cup title.
“Everything suggests that India has the momentum. In their last three games, they have beaten two tough opponents. When you have everything aligning and telling you that you are the team expected to win, I would like to think that India have a great chance,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
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Karthik further remarked that the team have stumbled upon a winning combination by accident and added that if they perfform anywhere close to their potential, then they will indeed win the all-important final.
“India have stumbled upon this playing XI by accident at the back end of this tournament. It could have gone pear-shaped easily, but they stuck together to produce one of the greatest performances by a women’s team. If they play anywhere close to their potential, they will beat South Africa,” Karthikk added.
Zaheer's message for Indian team
On the other hand, former India pacer Zaheer Khan feels that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have the chance to inspire the next generation of players by clinching their first-ever World Cup title. He further advised the team to keep their emotions in check during the final.
“It’s going to be immensely inspirational if India win the World Cup. I am sure the squad knows that. It is just one more day of taking care of your emotions. The World Cup final is not only about playing the game but also about managing your emotions. I hope they inspire a new generation,” Zaheer said.
India's forgettable record in WC finals
Meanwhile, this is the third time that India have made it all the way to the final of the Women's World Cup. They had previously made the final in 2005 and 2017, but had ended up losing to Australia and England respectively. It remains to be seen if they will be able to put their dismal record in the finals behind them by winning the all-important match against the Proteas.