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Harbhajan Singh Reveals Harmanpreet Kaur's Biggest Challenge In Women's T20 World Cup 2024

India Women will be one of the favourites for T20 WC [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.Com] India Women will be one of the favourites for T20 WC [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.Com]

India's World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh said the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will face a tough challenge from Australia and Sri Lanka in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

The global showpiece gets underway in the UAE from Thursday, and India are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand. Harbhajan's fears were not entirely misplaced as the Australia have beaten India 23 times in 32 T20Is with the 'Women in Blue' winning seven of them.

"I think India needs to be very careful when playing against Australia. Looking at this group, India has Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. But one match that I think will be a little tough is the India-Australia match," Harbhajan told Star Sports.

"Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions. But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat. So, the biggest challenge for India may be Australia," he said.

However, the 44-year-old warned India of another potential hazard on its way – Sri Lanka. The Islanders had recently trumped India in the Asia Cup final with Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama producing match-winning efforts.

"Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India. So, that will also be a good contest."

India eyeing maiden ICC title!

Team India have a strong squad and will be one of the favourites for the competition. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian side have been on a good run in 2024 and have almost all the bases covered.

Interestingly, their spin-bowlers will get purchase from the UAE pitches, thus making them a strong contender. However, as stated by Harbhajan, the India women's team need to be aware about the Australian team, who are nearly invincible in ICC events.

(Inputs from PTI)