First ODI: India eves take on Australia today

Harmanpreet Kaur

High on confidence after the triumph in South Africa, Indian women's cricket team will be aiming to put up another stellar show against Australia in the three-match ODI series beginning here today.

The series is a part of the ICC Women's Championship in which India had defeated South Africa in their opening match. When the two teams last met, it was a 30-minute mayhem by Harmanpreet Kaur that turned the fortune of the women's cricket in India by 360 degrees. Mithali Raj is likely to be forever indebted to her deputy Harmanpreet for that knock of 171 in the World Cup semi-finals. "You really can't plan during the first match of the series. They have some really good players like Perry, Lanning and Velani. We have plans for them. We need to get the momentum our way.

Middle-order has been a weakness for us but we are working on it," said vice-captain Harmanpreet on eve of the match. She was asked about the new central contracts where the elite women players stand to earn R50 lakh per annum. While there have been comparisons that even the lowest men's group (C) is getting double, Harmanpreet seemed least bothered.

"Look it is the job of BCCI to look into these matters and we as players have the duty to play well for our country. I believe that if we play well, the riches will follow. We don't have to ask for anything," the newly appointed Punjab Police DSP said.

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