Confident Indian eves face Aussie test

The Australian men’s team has been outstanding, blowing away all their opponents, and their eves team comes a close second. That, however, doesn’t deter the Indians one bit.
Coming off crushing wins against lowly-ranked Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Indian captain Jhulan Goswami exuded confidence that they can’t counted out against the Autralians.
 
“We have beaten Australia in the one-day World Cup in Australia. So we are pretty confident that we can beat them in this format as well,” said Goswami ahead of the first semifinal.

India had suffered a 10-run opening-match loss to New Zealand in St Kitts before bouncing back in style to make the semifinals. Sulakshana Naik (88 runs from three matches), former captain Mithali Raj (129 from three matches) and Poonam Raut (54 against Pakistan) have been the rock around which the Indian batting has revolved.

“Our girls have been in good form. Sulakshana, Poonam and Mithali have been in good nick. We are hoping they will continue to perform,” said team manager Vidya Yadav.

Diana David has been the pick of the bowlers, accounting for nine wickets in three matches with two four-wicket hauls. Her spell of four for 27 against New Zealand came in a losing cause, but her four for 12 helped India trounce Lanka by 71 runs. Left-arm spinner Gouhar Sultana and leg-spinner Priyanka Roy (3/19 against Pakistan) have also been impressive.
“Then, we have pacers Jhulan and Rumeli (Dhar) who can perform in big matches,” added Yadav.

Australia have been unbeaten in the group stage, where they notched up wins against defending champions England, West Indies and South Africa.