Australian former skipper Meg Lanning has the utmost confidence that this power-packed Australian unit is just too good for India on their way to the third round of the Women’s ODI World Cup in Mumbai. The Aussies, who are after yet another World Cup title that would be a record-extending eighth in history, are standing tall as the only unbeaten team in the entire tournament and have already toppled India by three wickets in the league stage.
Meg Lanning backs Mooney and warns India
“I think Australia have just got incredible depth. They've shown throughout the tournament that they're not reliant on one or two players,” Lanning said on the ICC Review. “Even if they lose some early wickets with the bat, there’s big power towards the backend that can get them out of tough situations.”
Lanning also pointed out that India will miss the scoring power of injured opener Pratika Rawal, adding that Harmanpreet Kaur will need to rise to the occasion.
“For India, I’m going to go with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. She’s had a good tournament, but she’s yet to really explode. It feels like she’s due for that big knock and when she gets going, she’s almost impossible to stop.”
The 33-year-old, who has won two World Cups, including one as captain, picked Beth Mooney as the key player for Australia. “She can adapt to any situation, whether it’s building on a good start or stabilising after early wickets. Her ability to manage innings under pressure makes her crucial in crunch matches,” Lanning noted.
In addition, Lanning predicted a win for England against South Africa in the first semifinal in Guwahati.
(By PTI Inputs)
