Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Australia captain Sophie Molineux said her team will look to build on the pressure India are already under when the two sides meet in a blockbuster Women’s T20 World Cup clash at Lord’s on Sunday. While Australia are all but assured of a semifinal spot barring an extraordinary turn of events, India need a win to strengthen their chances of progressing to the last four.
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Molineux has yet to enjoy success against India since taking over as Australia’s full-time captain from Alyssa Healy. Earlier this year, Australia lost the home T20I series 1-2 to India. However, having played 11 T20Is against India since 2018, Molineux expects another fiercely contested encounter in front of a packed crowd at Lord’s.
“Yeah, I suppose we’re in a bit of a different situation to India. We still need to win and make sure we finish where we want to place. And yeah, we know that there’s a bit of pressure on them, and I think hopefully we can double down on that and put pressure on them as well quite early in the game,” Molineux said in the pre-match press conference.
“But yeah, games against India are always, always good, always intense, but it’s a sellout crowd, so we know it’s going to be a big occasion and we’re very much looking forward to it,” Molineux said.
AUSTRALIA GET PHOEBE BOOST
Australia, meanwhile, have received a timely boost, with Phoebe Litchfield set to return after recovering from a calf injury. The left-hander missed Australia’s last three matches after sustaining the injury during her explosive 24-ball half-century against South Africa in the tournament opener.
Litchfield has resumed full training over the past week and is expected to be available for selection at Lord’s. Her return will bolster Australia’s batting line-up as the six-time champions aim to maintain their unbeaten run heading into the knockout stage.
“Yeah, she’s looking good. She fully trained today, sort of been building up and was pretty good over the last maybe week or so. So yeah, she’s going to be good, which is exciting for us,” Molineux added.
Australia, the six-time world champions, have lived up to their reputation in the ongoing tournament. They have won all four of their group-stage matches to sit atop Group A with eight points and a net run rate of +4.724. Fresh off a 113-run victory over Pakistan, Australia will aim to complete a perfect group-stage campaign with a fifth consecutive win.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
