Indian team looks to emulate male counterparts as World Cup begins

MUMBAI: Despite all the trepidation, the 10th edition of the ICC Women's World Cup will finally get rolling here on Thursday.
The Indian board (BCCI) refused to let any anti-Pakistan uproar divert the attention from this showcase event of women's cricket. They acted swiftly to ensure that the competition starts as per plan by shifting Pakistan's matches from Mumbai to Cuttack.
India, who are hosting the event for the third time since its inception in 1973, would be hoping to lift the trophy that has eluded them so far. The closest Indian women came to that was in 2005 when they lost to Australia in the final in South Africa. This time, they would be keen on emulating the men's team's triumph on home soil two years ago.
England, the defending champions, are in Group 'A' comprising India, West Indies and Sri Lanka. Australia, who have won the event the maximum number of times (five) are in Group 'B', along with New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. The top three teams from each group will qualify for the Super Sixes. The final will be played at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium on February 17.
The Aussies, who have won the title six times, have begun this edition's journey with two back-to-back wins in the warmup games -- against West Indies and India. On paper, they are one of the strongest teams under skipper Jodie Fields, who guides them with vision and strong leadership skills. Their experience and exuberance makes them one of the strongest contenders for the title.
England have had mixed results in their practice games so far. The defending champions beat South Africa by 51 runs in their opening game but lost to New Zealand by 13 runs in a close contest. Though Tuesday's defeat shouldn't be too much of a concern, that's not the ideal preparation, feels their skipper Charlotte Edwards. England will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on February 1 and next meet India on February 3. All eyes will be on Edwards and Danielle Hazell, who took 5 for 41 against the Black Caps.
New Zealand have always proved pesky customers for most teams. They were winners in the 2000 edition and were runners-up in 2009 and are highly competitive. But it's Pakistan and South Africa who would add spice to the event.
Both countries qualified for the event after finishing second and fourth respectively in the qualifiers. Though numbers favour the Proteas to prevail over Pakistan (SA have beaten Pakistan seven out of nine times in ODIs), on current form, the latter have a better chance of causing an upset and progressing to the Super Sixes.
There is no bigger enigma than Pakistan in the world of cricket. Like their male counterparts, the women are the dark horses in this year's event. Let the action begin.