Aakash Chopra sounds alarm bells for India ahead of WC Semi-final
Aakash Chopra [Source: Twitter]
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on India Women for qualifying for the semi-finals of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup.
While Chopra expressed confidence in the Women in Blue, he also issued a warning about the daunting task ahead of them against the mighty Australia in the showpiece event.
India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, booked their spot in the semi-finals following a five-run victory over Ireland in Gqeberha on Monday using the DLS method.
They will now face the table toppers of Group 1, Australia, in the first semi-final in Cape Town on Thursday, February 23.
"Our girls have reached the semi-finals. The problem is that we will have to face Australia. That job will not be easy, we know that. How we will cross that hurdle, we will discuss later but for now, we have reached the semi-finals, which is praiseworthy."
Chopra was full of praise for Smriti Mandhana's excellent batting display against Ireland, which played a key role in the Women in Blue's progression to the semi-finals.
Delivering his career-best T20I performance, the vice-captain of India smashed an impressive 87 runs off 56 balls, including nine boundaries and three sixes. Commenting on the knock, Chopra conceded:
"Our match was against Ireland in which Smriti Mandhana played an 87-run knock. We decided to bat after winning the toss. It was an extremely chancy knock because she was dropped four times, no one was catching the ball."
"Smriti Mandhana has struck the most sixes in this tournament. Smriti Mandhana also got her highest T20I score in this game. So well done Smriti Mandhana, we are very, very happy for you."
With an unbeaten record in the competition so far, Australia will be the team to beat in the semi-finals.
With Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Ashleigh Gardner, and Megan Schutt in outstanding form, they are once again the clear favourites against India.
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