IND vs ENG: 'India Have To Be At Their A-game Tomorrow If They Have To Beat England'- Mithali Raj Wants India-Pakistan Final
Published - 10 Nov 2022, 11:34 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:14 AM
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In order for India and Pakistan to play in a thrilling T20 World Cup final, former women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj says Rohit Sharma’s squad must beat England in the semifinal in Adelaide on Thursday.
By defeating the runners-up from the previous tournament, New Zealand, by seven wickets, Pakistan secured their third consecutive spot in the T20 World Cup championship game.
India Will Be At Their Best: Mithali Raj
India would set up a mouthwatering title match versus Pakistan after 15 years if they defeat England. In the first-ever T20 World Cup final, which took place in 2007, India defeated Pakistan to win the competition.
“Sure, it (India-Pakistan final) will (happen). Now that Pakistan has qualified for the final, India will be at their best,” Mithali said on Star Sports show ‘Cricket Live’.
“They (India) have to be at their A-game tomorrow if they have to beat England. And it’s a ground that India has done well. So, if the wicket is very similar to what we got to see today, then it will definitely go in favour of India.”
It’s Important That Virat Kohli Score Runs: Mithali Raj
The legendary female cricketer thinks India’s victory over England will depend on an in-form Virat Kohli.
“I think more than everybody, he (Kohli) will put that expectation on himself to score runs in the semifinals when India needs him the most. Of course, he’s done very well in the deep phase against Pakistan and has been consistent throughout the tournament.
“He would want to continue that form in semifinals. To reach final, it’s important that he scores runs. He needs to continue to follow his routine and not change too much, because his expectations are there. There will be pressure (but) I’m sure as a player he knows how to absorb that and stand and deliver.”
Harbhajan Singh Wants Rohit Sharma To Score Big Against England
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, is expected to improve against England, according to former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh.
“I think this will create an opportunity for him (Rohit) to show his mettle. What we saw today with what Babar (Azam) and (Mohammad) Rizwan did, big players in big games, they go on to perform and Rohit is a big, big player and we all want him to score runs.
“When he scores runs, it feels like he’s batting on a different surface, no matter how difficult that surface is. We all want him to come into form. Tomorrow might be his day and when his day comes, India are going to win,” he said.
Harbhajan Singh Prefers Dinesh Karthik Over Rishabh Pant
On Thursday, Rishabh Pant is probably going to put on the gloves, but Harbhajan claims he prefers Dinesh Karthik to the left-hander.
“I have no choice. I would go with Rahul Dravid, because he likes Rishabh Pant but I would like Dinesh Karthik who was playing earlier. Yes, it’s so tough to bat at that number, not many could do what Dhoni and Yuvraj did and you’re comparing DK with those players, who have been champions of the game.
“And yes, DK is a great, great player who has done well to get to this level. I think he should be a given a go. But yes they also want to have another left-hander in the team,” he signed off.
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Harbhajan Singh ICC T20 Word Cup 2022 IND vs ENG India National Cricket Team India vs England Mithali Raj Rishabh Pant Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli
