Published - | Updated - February 23, 2023 08:57 am
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Meg Lanning, captain of Australia, thinks her team won’t have a psychological advantage against India in the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal since prior results don’t matter against a good team. Australia, who won the 2020 T20 World Cup final at MCG and the 2022 Commonwealth Games final in Birmingham, will face India for a spot in the World Cup final. Australia defeated Harmanpreet Kaur’s team 4-1 in the five-match T20I series in December.
Meg Lanning, captain of Australia, thinks her team won’t have a psychological advantage against India in the Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal since prior results don’t matter against a good team. Australia, who won the 2020 T20 World Cup final at MCG and the 2022 Commonwealth Games final in Birmingham, will face India for a spot in the World Cup final. Australia defeated Harmanpreet Kaur’s team 4-1 in the five-match T20I series in December.
Australia won’t have a psychological advantage, according to Lanning, who declared this on the eve of the semi-final.
The skipper added that even though Australia won the five-match series against India in December in Mumbai, the opponents are still considered to be a “great team” that don’t rely on a select group of players to win games.
To be honest, I’m not sure (Australia is the favourite). Obviously, we are both well familiar with one another. They (India) are a fantastic team. There are some match-winners and world-class players on their team, so the match promises to be exciting.
“We obviously came here to participate in a game like this, and we anticipate that winning will need us to play at the top of our game. And I have no doubts that this squad is up for it, and we are undoubtedly eager to get started.” She continued by saying that India now has a solid bunch that bats deeply and can perform in high-profile matches.
“They’ve demonstrated, in my opinion, that they are not dependent on just one or two individuals. They also have a lot of depth. As a result, we as a team had to get ready for all of their players to perform well.
“And I believe that at that moment, as a squad, you are aware that you will play in the majority of matches because in T20 cricket, not everything goes as planned. And there are occasions when it won’t be your day.
“But the most crucial thing is that someone does stand up. And they have proven to be able to achieve it.
“They’ve developed a really solid team of athletes who have now played a lot of cricket together. They are able to deliver as well. Consequently, we are aware of their power. And so, in a way, the challenge becomes even bigger and something we eagerly anticipate.” Lanning voiced confidence in her team, noting that all 15 players are healthy enough to play against India.
“We have a complete team. That Alissa Healy is well and accessible is fantastic for us. She has had a fantastic tournament thus far and will be crucial. That’s good, but it does make it challenging to reduce it to 11.” She continued by saying that Australia must take precautions against India’s spin bowling, which is both potent and diverse.
“Evidently, India bowls the ball with a lot of spin. Also, they have a good variety in their attacks. So, this merely serves to keep you sharp as a batter and ensure that you are fast to adapt.
“And I just believe they are the match’s overall victor. They have players that can easily end the game for you in the course of a few overs, you know. As a result, we are highly aware of it and will make every effort to combat it.” According to Lannings, the goal is to push India by getting away of top-order hitters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
“Yes, we are definitely focusing on it. Any T20 game you play, in my opinion, benefits if you can take some early wickets and put pressure on the opposition. Hence, we will undoubtedly put some plans in place to attempt to do that.
“Smriti and Verma, who we’ve briefly discussed, are undoubtedly important players for them and who have the ability to rapidly win the game for them.
Hence, we have a plan and will undoubtedly strive to get early wickets since we are aware that in T20 cricket, that may make a significant difference.