India’s World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns about the challenges that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team will face in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, which begins on Thursday in the UAE, will see India placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
Harbhajan believes that Australia will pose the biggest threat to India’s title hopes. “Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions,” he said. “But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat.”
India’s recent record against Australia in T20Is is not encouraging, with the Aussies winning 23 of the 32 matches played between the two teams. However, Harbhajan also warned India of the potential threat posed by Sri Lanka, who recently defeated India in the Asia Cup final.
“Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India,” Harbhajan said. “So, that will also be a good contest.”
Despite the challenges, Harbhajan believes that India has the potential to win their maiden ICC title. “Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament,” he said. “They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner.”
“They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket,” Harbhajan added. “The unit looks solid. If India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament.”
Harbhajan also advised the Indian team to take it one match at a time and not succumb to the pressure of the big occasion. “You have to try to give your best and not take pressure,” he said. “At this stage, the only thing that matters is to know yourself and play as a unit. Results will follow.”
