India’s Harmanpreet Kaur in motion through the Women’s T20 World Cup.
| Photo Credit: AP
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur mentioned on Monday she regarded ahead to a likely Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final against defending champions Australia.
India certified for the final 4 once they beat Ireland by 5 runs on a rain-adjusted goal of their final group match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
India joined England as qualifiers from Group Two with each side having gained three matches.
England, nevertheless, nonetheless must play Pakistan in Cape Town on Tuesday. Victory would assure them high spot however they’re likely group winners even when they lose as a result of of a superior internet run price.
Australia have already gained Group Two, so are virtually sure to play India as runners-up in Group One within the semi-finals.
Ms. Kaur mentioned India had gained confidence from having performed Australia in a collection in India final season, regardless of solely profitable one recreation — and that was on a brilliant over.
She identified that each one groups, together with champion sides like Australia, had been below strain in World Cup video games.
“The brand of cricket we played (against Australia) gave us a lot of confidence,” mentioned Ms. Kaur. “We have a fair idea of how we have to go about the next game and we will make our plans accordingly.”
Smriti Mandhana hit a T20 worldwide career-best 87 as India made 155 for six. Ireland had been with 54 for 2 from 8.2 overs, with Gaby Lewis 32 not out, when rain ended play.
A powerful, swirling wind made situations tough and Ms. Mandhana was dropped 4 occasions within the outfield throughout a 56-ball innings which included 9 fours and three sixes.
Teenage prodigy Shafali Verma struggled once more on the high of the batting order, making 24 off 29 balls, however Ms. Kaur mentioned she remained a key participant.
“We always encourage her to express herself. Whenever she clicks we are always into the game. In practice she is batting well. We know how important she is,” mentioned Ms. Kaur.
Ireland made a disastrous begin to their reply when Amy Hunter was run out off the primary ball of the innings, making an attempt a second run after hitting the ball to midwicket.
Four balls later Prendergast was bowled by Renuka Thakur with out scoring.
But Ms. Lewis and captain Laura Delany, who earlier took three for 33, shared a spirited unbeaten partnership of 53.
Ms. Delany admitted that they’d been unaware of how shut they’d been to a doable profitable scenario.
“The weather changed so quickly,” she mentioned.
Although Ireland misplaced all their matches, Ms. Delany mentioned they’d made progress since their first World T20 in 2018.
“We were not on a level playing field then,” she mentioned. “Now we have contracts and things are heading in the right direction.”
Ms. Delany mentioned Ireland wanted to work onerous on a number of facets of their recreation, significantly fielding.
“We need to put ourselves under more pressure in training and to play with freedom and confidence,” she mentioned.
