Indian women skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has conceded that India have been ‘restless’ and might lose momentum from an enforced eight-day break before the final of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
It will be more than a week since Kaur’s side last took to the field when they stride onto the MCG turf in front of a huge crowd against Australia in search of a maiden T20 World Cup title.
With a straightforward win over Sri Lanka last Saturday followed by a semi-final washout against England, Kaur admitted India have struggled to replicate conditions in the middle and used their time off for rest.
“We haven’t been outdoors much and we didn't manage to play an important game against England. We were all in touch and doing indoor training, but it doesn’t give you full confidence because the surface is totally different. Everyone was in good touch and thinking what they can do for the team," the ICC press release quoted Kaur as saying.
“We did get rest also because when you're playing for a long time, you need a break. No-one wanted to take rest, everyone was so keen, everyone was on the ground and ready to deal with the situation," she added.
They might have struggled to get out but India have been stretched in close games, getting home by three runs against New Zealand, 17 runs against Australia and 18 against Bangladesh.
Having batted first in all four group stage games, their chasing might be rusty too but they managed 173 batting second to beat Australia by seven wickets in the recent tri-series, their highest chase in T20Is.
The two sides’ opening game clash saw 13,432 fans pack Sydney Showground and given over 75,000 tickets have been sold for the MCG, rising to the occasion is likely to be a big challenge.
Kaur, who played in front of a sold-out crowd in the 2017 Cricket World Cup Final against England at Lord’s, encouraged her team to relish the big stage rather than fretting
“It’s a great feeling. It’s the first time we’re going to see 90,000 people in the stadium and we’re really looking positive for that.
We are used to playing when a lot of crowd is around us. Sometimes there’s no noise going around in the stadium so we need to keep an eye on each of us. It’s a big moment," Kaur said.
“Rather than thinking about what is going to trouble us, it’s only about being there, enjoying the moment and giving our best.
“One thing, we have to keep in mind Sunday is a fresh day, a fresh start. We have to start from ball one. We’ve done quite well in the league games. Both teams are under pressure and both are capable of winning," she concluded.
Notably, India have qualified for the very first time for the summit showdown of the tournament and looking for their maiden glory. Australia, on the other hand, are making their sixth consecutive appearance in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup and eyeing their fifth title at the showpiece event.
