'Won't take Pakistan lightly'- Mithali Raj ahead of Indo-Pak clash in Women's World Cup 2022

India Women will be playing their first match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 against arch rivals Pakistan. The game is to be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on March 6. It must be noted that India have never lost an ODI to Pakistan in the history of women’s cricket. However, skipper Mithali Raj emphasized that Pakistan cannot be taken for granted.

Team India suffered series defeat in their limited-overs contest against New Zealand, losing one T20I and first four ODIs in a five match series. However, the Women in Blue managed to gain some momentum after defeating New Zealand in the final ODI and winning  their two warm-up matches.

Pakistan is a good side and I am sure they are prepared: Mithali Raj

Speaking ahead of their opening clash against Pakistan, skipper Mithali Raj emphasized on the fact that India will look at the opening match as a chance to build momentum into the tournament.

“I think Pakistan is also a good side and I am sure they have prepared very hard for the tournament and so have we. Every team here, we can’t take any team lightly. So we will get into playing every game with a lot of intensity and with a lot of confidence,” Mithali Raj was quoted by India Today.

“As a team, we are excited to get into the World Cup and starting our campaign tomorrow. We are not looking at it as Pakistan we are playing against, we are looking at a team, which has come prepared and we are equally prepared to put our best foot forward, ” she added.

In terms of head-to-head records, India have completely dominated the Women in Green. Both have squared off in ten ODIs so far and India emerged winers every single time. Hence, the Indian team would be determined to extend their dominance against their arch rivals.