Aakash Chopra Tips India to Come Out on Top Against Pakistan
India collide against Pakistan [Twitter]
Former Indian cricketer and now commentator Aakash Chopra believes India will have the upper hand in their Women's T20 World Cup opening match against Pakistan, which will take place in Cape Town on February 12th.
The Women in Blue has usually dominated their rivals in the ICC events, but the injury-induced absence of star batter Smriti Mandhana has left the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side slightly weakened.
Previewing the big game on his YouTube channel, Chopra predicted India to win the contest, however, he also warned the Women in Blue not to underestimate their opponent, stating:
"It is an India-Pakistan World Cup game. Lose anything else but not this match, and we will not lose as well. Our team is strong. India will start as favourites, that is the usual thing, but you can't take any match lightly and an India-Pakistan match in any case."
Chopra delved deeper into India's bowling, expecting Renuka Singh to take charge with the new ball. He feels Renuka will be the key bowler for India, given she is a left-armer and she can trap the opposition with the swing.
"When it comes to bowling, they (India) will look towards Renuka Singh Thakur. When you are playing in South Africa and Pakistan are in front of you, you expect that you can trap them with a swing. Then our left-arm pacer, there will be focus on her."
Chopra further shed light on the spin bowling, stating that Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Devika Vaidya will be key, expressing great anticipation for the latter's performance:
"You will see Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Devika Vaidya in the spin department. I have great expectations from Devika Vaidya because she has something. She had almost left cricket and then staged a comeback. She hasn't looked back since she returned."
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