Dubai (PTI): Indian captain Mithali Raj says with countries like Pakistan qualifying for next year's World Cup in Australia, women's cricket is all set to scale new heights and become a more popular sport.

Speaking ahead of the Women's Asia Cup starting Sri Lanka from Friday, Mithali said: "Every team tries to improve every year. I think Sri Lanka is a very good fielding side, as they are very agile in the field, and Pakistan have a good set of spinners and some depth in their batting.

"I was following the qualifiers and indeed the last time when we played against Pakistan it was a good test as they gave us the jitters in the initial few overs. They are a team trying to improve every year so it is not a surprise that they have qualified for the World Cup."

Pakistan, along with South Africa, qualified for the World Cup after reaching the final of the Women's World Cup Qualifier held in Stellenbosch earlier this February.

The two teams have joined defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Mithali said she was keen to win the World Cup next year and bury the ghost of 2005 when her team lost the final to Australia.

"It's always a dream for any sports person to be part of a World Cup winning side as a captain or player.

"I've always dreamt of being part of a winning side in a World Cup. Last time we couldn't manage to but I'm sure if we prepare hard we will have a chance," she said.