Women’s T20 World Cup: Mithali Raj believes India’s fortune depends on top order

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India are gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup starting February 10 in South Africa. India are one of the favourites to win the coveted title. Their line-up is a mixture of experience and youth. They have a U-19 World Cup winning captain within their ranks, in the form of explosive Shafali Verma.

India’s batting ace Mithali Raj has shared her thoughts on India’s chances of winning the World Cup. She believes that a lot will depend on how India’s top-order performs in the tournament.

“India’s chances will be largely dependent on the top order. Smriti Mandhana is playing well and is a match winner,” said former India skipper as reported by the ICC.

She also spoke about the key players of the team and how important their presence is in the team. She added that “Harmanpreet Kaur has looked in good form too but we have to beat Australia and England. You need other batters to come to the party.”

Mithali also opened up on the young talent that will be on display during the multi-nation event and also talked about the talent that was there for everyone to see during the inaugural U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup played in January.

“I am excited about some of the young players coming through and there is definitely some talent in the Under-19s team which I had the chance to see play at the inaugural ICC Under-19s Women’s T20 World Cup.”

Australia’s team who have won the coveted title on various occasions definitely look as the front-runners to win the tournament this time around too and Raj also believes the same.

She said, “I think everyone would agree that Australia are the favourites, and deservedly so. I am expecting tight, competitive matches. They are so difficult to beat because they bat deep and have an excellent batting line-up.”