Women's T20 World Cup 2024: "Challenging Task, But If..." - Sanjay Bangar Backs India to Overcome Australia Challenge

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Former India men's team batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed the Indian women's team to overcome the mighty Australian challenge and seal a spot in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals.

After losing their opening match against New Zealand, Harmanpreet Kaur's side need a win or should avoid a defeat by massive margin in their final group stage match to progress in the show-piece tournament.

The Women in Blue will be up against one of their nemesis, Australia in their final group stage match on Sunday (October 13) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. India possess a very poor record against Australia in the shortest format.

The Indian women's cricket team has won just 8 times in their 33 meetings with Australia in WT20Is. Their most recent win came last year, when they won the first match, but lost the series 1-2 at home.

While India face a daunting task in the race for the semifinals with New Zealand, former India cricket Bangar feels the Indian eves can come out on top against the Aussie if they can maintain their composure as they have players with the skill and talent to beat any team.

"The Indian team undoubtedly has the skill and talent to emerge victorious. However, the pressure of facing the defending world champions, Australia, in a do-or-die match for a semi-final berth will be immense," Bangar was quoted as saying by ANI.

"It's a challenging task, but if India can maintain their composure and play to their potential, they stand a good chance of overcoming this hurdle," the former batter believes India can beat Australia.

India need to win keep things simple and progress. A defeat of small margin also keeps them still in the hunt, but to progress, they will want New Zealand to lose to Pakistan on Monday (October 14).

The Women in Blue lost the opening game by 58 runs to New Zealand, but bounced back with wins over their Asian rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their latest win also saw their Net Run Rate receive some boost, helping them move above the White Ferns to second place.

Wins for India and New Zealand in the last two games of Group A, will make it a three-way battle that will be decided by NRR. But Australia's superior NRR leaves them well positioned to take on of the semifinal spots.