We have a really big challenge coming up against India: Ashleigh Gardner

Ashleigh Gardner has been in fine form in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024 and so has her team - Australia Women. However, the defending champions are yet to secure their spot in the semi-finals. They will have a chance to do so when they take on India on Sunday, October 13, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.

Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner believes that the face-off against India in the Women's T20 World Cup could be a tough challenge for Australia as a unit and for her personally. Gardner, who has seen the talent in Indian cricket from close quarters during her Women's Premier League (WPL) stint with the Gujarat Giants, is wary of the strengths they possess. Her all-round abilities have already helped her establish herself as a vital cog in the Aussie unit.

"We have a really big challenge coming up against India. They will certainly challenge me personally,and have had a few good battles with them over the years," Gardner was quoted as saying by India Today.

Also Read: 'We don't go in predetermined' - Shafali Verma reveals India's plan ahead of all-important Australia clash

Can India continue comeback in Women's T20 World Cup 2024?

INotably, the Women in Blue suffered a heavy defeat of 58 runs in their opening encounter of the tournament against New Zealand. After this unexpected result, the remaining games effectively became knockouts for Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. So far, the Women in Blue defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs and Pakistan by six wickets to keep themselves afloat in the competition.

Also Check: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Match 18, Australia-W vs India-W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between AUS-W vs IND-W?

India have two wins and one loss from their first three matches. They will have to beat Australia and hope New Zealand fumble in one of their remaining games against Pakistan and New Zealand. If the net run rate (NRR) comes into play, India Women could go through to the semifinals as they have +0.576 up on the board. Meanwhile, New Zealand's NRR is -0.050 and they would want to improve it in their games to come.