"No team can be underestimated in this campaign" says Alyssa Healy

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"No team can be underestimated in this campaign" says Alyssa Healy

Alyssa Healy in action. ©ICC

Australia started their ICC Women's World T20 2018 journey with a thumping 52-run win over Pakistan, but wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy said that no team can be underestimated in this campaign.









Three-time champions, Australia have been in a great form throughout the year. Their first warm-up game was washed out due to rain but they won the second one against South Africa.









"I honestly believe there's no easy beat in this competition," Healy added. "I think all sides participating can win this World Cup. And we're not taking our position as No. 1 for granted. Ireland are a tricky side. We'll do our homework, come out there and hopefully put another good performance on the board."



Though Pakistan lost their first match against Australia on November 9, all-rounder Nida Dar is 'hopeful' about her team's come back. We have prepared a lot of things against Australia and Malaysia. So we have that thing that we can play with India and next team matches in a good way. I know we have a lot of spinners on our team. So they can do their job well and they will come back in next matches."



"I've been saying all along that momentum is really key in T20 cricket," said Healy. "And I guess to carry on for a pretty convincing series against Pakistan in Malaysia, and then to come here and play all right against South Africa, and then play even better tonight, we're building really nicely."



Healy herself played a big role in setting the tone for Australia with a boundary-laced knock of 48 from just 29 deliveries. The wicket-keeper-batter's enjoying her role at the top of the order and is hoping to continue shining in that position.



"I'm just really enjoying the role at the top of the order," she said. "It's something that I love doing back home in domestic cricket, and it's something that I've really relished over the last 12 months for the green and gold."



"They're very strong and they are supposed to be the No. 1 team in the world. And we have a plan for them that we do not go for the -- taking wickets for them", told Nida Dar.



As for Pakistan, defeat in the first game comes as a big setback, particularly in a group featuring other strong teams in India, New Zealand and Ireland. But Nida Dar said Pakistan were confident of bouncing back.



"Of course, we have an opportunity," she expressed. "This wicket is very slow and this kind of wicket is just like in Pakistan. So we have a great opportunity for the next three matches."





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