Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 20 (ANI): Former Indian cricket captain Mithali Raj has voiced her optimism about the Indian women’s cricket team’s prospects in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. She believes that the conditions in the UAE will offer a strategic advantage to the team.

The highly anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to commence on October 3 in the UAE. India is slated to launch their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6. The Indian team, which reached the semi-finals in the last edition of the tournament, finds itself in Group A alongside formidable teams such as Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

In an interview with Star Sports, Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on India’s chances, stating, “I am confident and hopeful that the team will perform well. Like every fan, I want to see our team lift the World Cup trophy. Historically, the Indian women’s team has not clinched a senior-level World Cup, apart from the Under-19 World Cup. Given that the UAE’s conditions are similar to those in India, our team could benefit from this familiarity. However, it’s crucial to remember that every team comes well-prepared for the World Cup.”

India has yet to win either the ICC T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. Their best performance in the T20 World Cup came in 2020 when they finished as runners-up, losing to Australia by a margin of 85 runs.

Mithali Raj herself boasts an impressive record in T20 Internationals. Over 89 T20Is, she amassed 2,364 runs at an average of 37.52, including 17 half-centuries and a top score of 97 not out. In T20 World Cup matches between 2009 and 2018, she scored 726 runs at an average exceeding 40, with five half-centuries and a best score of 57.

In the previous T20 World Cup, held last year, Australia emerged victorious by defeating South Africa at home by 19 runs, securing their sixth title. Meanwhile, India reached the semi-finals but were narrowly defeated by Australia by five runs.

The current Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup includes prominent players such as Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. The squad also features wicketkeepers Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia, along with key players like Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, and Sajana Sajeevan.

Additionally, the traveling reserves include Uma Chetry (wk), Tanuja Kanwer, and Saima Thakor. Non-traveling reserves are Raghvi Bist and Priya Mishra.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation and excitement are building among fans and players alike. With a strong squad and favorable conditions, India aims to make a significant impact on this global stage.