The buzz is back in India as the ICC Women’s World Cup returns after 12 years. Former India women’s coach Woorkeri Raman, now a regular TV pundit, has tipped Harmanpreet Kaur & Co to be among the semi-finalists as the hosts begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in Guwahati.
Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), Raman backed Australia, South Africa and India as his three sure picks while calling the fourth spot “wide open.”
Champions Australia has to be there because of their consistency while South Africa has been having a great run in ICC tournaments in recent years. India should make it as thy are a much-improved side while the fourth spot could be anybody’s – though Sri Lanka could be a dark horse.
England In Transition
Asked about England’s prospects, Raman noted that the former champions are adjusting to a new captain in Nat Sciver-Brunt. He believes this World Cup could be one of the most open yet.
Teams from the sub-continent like India, Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan have improved a lot and are physically fitter. However, don’t discount the luck factor in a long tournament spread across different regions – the rains could play a part with showers often stretching into November.
India Ready To Take The Next Step
Raman doesn’t get carried away with the hype about India breaking their ICC title drought at home, but he does feel the side is ready to push further.
The girls have come a long way since 2017 when Mithali Raj’s team lost to England by just nine runs in the Lord’s final. This batch has a settled look and Indian women’s cricket is at a stage where they can catapult to greater heights.
Having worked closely with senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh until 2021, Raman believes there’s a visible shift in the team’s confidence and body language.
They go in with the boost of winning their first-ever ODI series in England and pushing Australia hard at home. Their fitness levels have also improved a lot thanks to emphasis from national coaches and franchise leagues. This format suits India better since it gives them a little more time to settle.
A True Test Of Adaptability
The eight-team tournament features Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in a round-robin format. Each side will play seven matches, with the top two progressing to the final on 2 November.
'“It’s a terrific format,” Raman concluded. “You will be tested tactically against every team and forced to adapt to different venues across India and Sri Lanka – which is what makes it such a challenging and exciting tournament.”
