ISLAMABAD: Despite millions of fans watching on from either side of the border, both India and Pakistan captains are treating their match in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 just as another game.
Pakistan and India are scheduled to play an ODI for the first time on Sunday since the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, but for Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof it will be nothing out of the ordinary, according to a press release.
“We are prepared as we had good practice sessions and warm-up games. I think we have spoken about the things we had not done well in the last year. The team, which will take the pressure well and play to its strength, will win. We are hoping for a good match tomorrow [Sunday],” she said.
“We have not lived up to the mark yet. We have spoken about that we have not scored much as the top order should, and we are hoping that in this event, we, as a batting unit, would put up a good show.”
Talking about the bowlers, she said that “we have improved as a fast-bowling unit…. and I think we have gelled together. It is just that we have the right combination in our bowling that all the bowlers complement each other. We are looking forward that if we can put up a good show in batting, our bowling can do well.”
Only time will tell that which side will come out on top, but despite what the two skippers say, the hopes of two nations are pinned on a win for their side.
India’s Mithali Raj said: “I think as a team we are excited to get into the World Cup and start our campaign tomorrow [Sunday]. In the first game, we are not looking at it as it is Pakistan we are playing against, but we are looking at a team, which has come prepared, and we are equally prepared to put our best foot forward and set a momentum going into the tournament. So that is how we look at our first game.”
“Every time we play a World Cup, every game is very different – different locations, different conditions, and different opponent. We have tried to give everybody a go in the warm-up game, so that everybody gets into the rhythm.”
As she embarks on her sixth World Cup, a record for the women’s event, she shared her message for her teammates.
“I think as a team, we need to get in with a clean slate and as a confident unit. And believe that we can always turn things around and play according to the situation… Be aware on the ground and play according to the situation,” she said.
