'We have the NRR in our minds' - Shafali Verma addresses elephant in room ahead of crucial Australia assignment

India Women will take on Australia Women in Match 18 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Sharjah on October 13. Australia are firing on all cylinders winning all three games and India were handed a hefty 58-run defeat in their first game by New Zealand. Though they won two back-to-back games, their playoff qualification desire has left them with a must-win game against the Aussies.

The six-time champions have one leg firmly placed in the playoffs and India need to tackle the mighty Women in Yellow to dream of a playoff berth. Ahead of the crucial game, India opener, Shafali Verma has said that the team will be keeping an eye on Net Run Rate. It is worth noting that India have an NRR of +0.576 and are followed by New Zealand with +0.282.

"We all know that net run rate is going on, and we keep playing with that in mind. If you are playing in the Indian team, you don't need to be told about NRR. Everyone is very mature and aware of the situation. So, I think it's not something that needs saying. But, of course, we have the NRR in our minds, and we'll keep a focus on it," Verma said, as quoted by the ICC.

Also Read: India's Qualification Scenarios for Knockout Stages

Our focus is solely on India: Ashleigh Gardner

On the other hand, Australia are having a dream run in the tournament but the side is also facing some injury concerns. Their skipper, Alyssa Healy contracted an injury while taking a second run against Pakistan. Another injury concern came in the form of Tayla Vlaeminck as she potentially dislocated her shoulder.

"Our focus is solely on India, and whatever the team makeup is, I'm sure everyone that is in the XI will do a fantastic job," said Australian spinner Ashleigh Gardner.