Women’s Cricket World Cup: Virat Kohli & Co wish India ahead of final vs England | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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Women’s Cricket World Cup: Virat Kohli & Co wish India ahead of final vs England

Mumbai | ByHT Correspondent
Jul 23, 2017 12:28 PM IST

India will play their second-ever final at ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup when they face England at the Lord’s on Sunday. It will be a chance for the Mithali Raj-led team to generate huge interest about women’s cricket in the country

The excitement of the Indian women’s cricket team reaching the World Cup final was also palpable in the men’s team. Virat Kohli & Co, who are in Sri Lanka for the three Tests, five ODIs and one T20I, send their wishes to their women’s counterpart as they prepare to take on England in the final at Lord’s on Sunday. (LIVE BLOG)

India's Mithali Raj during nets ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup.(Action Images via Reuters)
India's Mithali Raj during nets ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup.(Action Images via Reuters)

India coach Ravi Shastri was at his inimitable best with his short message. “Go for it ladies, give it to the Poms,” said the former India captain, who was recently appointed as the Team India coach, in a video message on BCCI.tv.

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Kohli then took over and said: “On behalf of the Indian cricket team and support staff, all the way from Sri Lanka, we want to wish you… all the best.”

Mithali Raj & Co stunned six-time champions Australia in the semifinal, thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s scintillating unbeaten 171 as the Women in Blue won by 36 runs.

READ | Women’s Cricket World Cup final: Mithali Raj & Co time their run to perfection

In a separate message, Kohli believed Mithali Raj’s side can repeat their brilliant performance once again in the final.

“This message is for Mithali Raj and the girls. Just wanna wish them all the best for the big final. It’s been amazing to see the way you all have played in this World Cup so far and we all have been watching keenly watching and enjoying the display of cricket and the display of belief as a team and some brilliant individual performances also. So very well led by Mithali Raj. Everybody will be watching and supporting and sending you positive energy. We all believe that you can do it once more and wish you all the luck in the world. Go out there and conquer what’s yours. Good luck,” said Kohli.

India’s most successful skipper MS Dhoni, who has managed to get his hands on to all ICC trophies ranging from the 2007 World T20, the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy, shared his success mantra.

“I am superstitious about a few words, so I won’t use them. The women’s team has done exceedingly well throughout the World Cup. What’s important is to embrace the occasion. Don’t focus on the result… not to think what if we win or what if we don’t win? What’s important is that as a team you’ll have done very well… all of you have contributed. That one extraordinary performance will give you the World Cup. It can be a brilliant catch, it can be a good run out, it can be one good innings or a bowling spell. So that’s what it boils down to. Keep it simple and enjoy the occasion. World Cup final is something that doesn’t happen very often. It’s a sport and it is meant to be enjoyed. Of course, we all are backing you’ll. Let’s make it a historic day for all of us,” Dhoni said.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also praised the team effort. “They have done exceedingly well to reach the final. There have been some outstanding performances from almost everybody. It really has been a team effort. Like me, most Indian followers are going to keep their fingers crossed,” Gavaskar said before punning on the skipper’s name, “Mithali aapki team Raj karegi. Good luck.”

Some of India’s iconic women sportspersons like Saina Nehwal and Dipa Karmakar too wished the best for the Indian team.

The two teams met each other on the opening day of the tournament when India handed the hosts a 35-run defeat at the County Ground in Derby.

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