After starting a noteworthy movement named – #JerseyKnowsNoGender to promote gender equality in sports, Indian captain Virat Kohli has once again issued an encouraging message to the Indian women’s cricket team ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team has been unbeaten so far in the ongoing ICC Women’s World T20 event in the Caribbean islands.Also Read - T20 WC: Brian Lara Reckons it is a World Cup For India to Lose; Backs Virat Kohli & Co to Make Semi-Final
With four out-of-four wins, an in-form India will also look to avenge their 50-over World Cup final loss to England which they suffered last year at the iconic Lord’s. The India-England tie will be preceded by the other semi-final that will be played between Australia and hosts West Indies at the same venue. Also Read - Ind vs Pak T20 : MS Dhoni Passes Batting Tips to Virat Kohli Ahead of India vs Pakistan; Video Goes Viral | WATCH
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Along with Kohli, Team India head coach Ravi Shastri also wished the Indian girls luck for the big game and asked them to ‘play fearless cricket and express themselves’ against England.
Indian women have been impressive in the ongoing World T20I so far after getting past two formidable teams in their group — New Zealand by 34 runs and Australia by 48 runs — maintaining an all-win record at the league stage.
The atmosphere in the Indian team is upbeat as experienced players like Harmanpreet and Mithali Raj have been contributing handsomely, while youngsters like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Dipti Sharma have also risen to the occasion.
“Harry di’s (Harmanpreet Kaur) century against New Zealand and our partnership in that match was special. Also against Pakistan we managed to put pressure in the first 6 overs and Mithali Raj’s knock stood out. Against Ireland both our batting and bowling stood out while against Australia we went full tilt and that is what has been key in the campaign,” Rodrigues told BCCI.
England, on the other hand, went down to defending champions West Indies in a last-over thriller after two dominant seven-wicket wins and one washed-out match. Swashbuckling opener Danielle Wyatt’s form is the main worry as she has failed to display her talent with the bat, scoring 1, 0 and 27 in three games.