Goswami dreams of emulating Kapil

Jhulan Goswami is arguably the world's leading fast bowler © Getty Images

Buy this photo

Jhulan Goswami has predicted that victory for India women in the ICC World Twenty20 2009 could have as dramatic an impact on Indian cricket as the men's win at the same venue in the 1983 World Cup.

"It would be fantastic to be in the final at Lord's, especially because of what happened in 1983. Indian cricket changed because of that and more people became interested," said Goswami.

"If we won the World Twenty20 it could have a similar effect for women's cricket not just in India but across Asia as well.

"We might not be able to hit six sixes in an over but women do play good quality cricket."

Goswami attended the first match of the ICC World Twenty20 2007 in South Africa, after being preseneted with the ICC Women's player of the year award.

"I'm really excited about playing in the event. I was actually at the first match between South Africa and the West Indies and it was brilliant," said Goswami.

"I was dreaming that one day I could play in an event like this and then a few months later I heard that there may be a women's event in England."

The 24-year-old has many happy memories from the 2007 event, not least gathering around the television to watch Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side beat Pakistan in a dramatic final.

"Nobody expected India to win the ICC World Twenty20 so it was a great event," said Goswami.

"I watched it at home with my family - everybody had taken time off from the office. After the match we had a big celebration. It was a special moment for everybody all over India."

India will need to progress from a group which includes England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan if they are to finish in the top two and make the semi-finals.

"It's a dream to play at Lord's as it is a special place for each and every cricketer - it is the heaven of cricket," said Goswami. "I have played an ODI before and would love to play there again."

Raj is also greatly excited by the prospect of being part of the inaugural tournament, especially as the group games are being played at Taunton.

It is a venue that holds happy memories for the India captain following her record-breaking Test innings of 214 against England in 2002.

Captain Mithali Raj could emulate Kapil Dev in lifting a major trophy for India if they win the Twenty20

Buy this photo

"I definitely feel after breaking the world record there that it is a special ground for Indians, particularly after Ganguly and Dravid put on a big partnership there in the World Cup," said Raj.

"I think it's a lucky ground for India, especially for the women as we have won Test matches there. It is quite similar to Indian conditions and the wicket is good."

Raj said there is great excitement amongst the team ahead of the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and believes the new women's Twenty20 competition, which is scheduled for April, will be perfect preparation for the global event.

"I played my first Twenty20 match in 2006 and we had no idea about tactics. Seeing the IPL and lots of other Twenty20 games, means we now have a much better idea about how to approach the games," she said.

"All the players are very excited about playing in the tournament. It is excellent preparation for the World Twenty20 and state players will get a chance to play this format, which they are excited about."

Pakistan skipper Urooj Mumtaz has admitted she can't believe that she will be playing for her country in the ICC World Twenty20 2009.

"It's a very amazing feeling qualifying for the World Cup and then knowing that only those teams that qualified for the World Cup are going to be playing that Twenty20 tournament.

"For women's cricket in Pakistan it is probably the biggest thing that has happened after victory in the World Cup qualifier," said Mumtaz.
"Normally I am glued to the action whenever Pakistan's men are playing in an international event, so to be part of the same event is going to be an incredible feeling."

"It will be the first time we are playing the big guns in women's cricket. The draw is very tough for us, as we struggled against India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, but hopefully we will have improved in time for then.

"I am looking forward to having the opportunity to see some of the stars of the game, who I have read about but never played against. While I have played against the likes of India and Sri Lanka many times before, I have never played Australia or New Zealand for example."