Indian women cricketer Richa Ghosh in action during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. | Photo credit: AP
After coming under pressure in their last two games, India will have no room for error when they take on the mighty England in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Gakibarha on February 18, 2023.
A win against world number two England on 18 February 2023 would effectively send the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side into the knockout stages, which will be contested between the top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2.
The Indians defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets before securing a more than convincing six-wicket win over the West Indies earlier this week.
While the twin wins put India in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals, it was a brilliant performance from hard-hitting teenager Richa Ghosh that pulled the ‘Women in Blue’ over the line on both occasions.
The top order will have to give a better account of themselves against England. Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Shafali Verma has been unable to turn around her start in the tournament so far, giving away her wicket at crucial junctures.
After nursing a finger injury, Smriti Mandhana looked impressive as she hit the ball to perfection but could not go the distance.
Jemima Rodrigues will be looking for some consistency while skipper Kaur has also looked good and has made useful contributions although she has yet to score a big one with 33 being the highest.
They will have to navigate England’s spin trio of Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn.
While the bowling department performed well against the West Indies, the Indian bowlers will have to bowl out of their skin against England, who have youngster Alice Kepsey, who is confident after marking the joint. Will get into the match with. – Fastest fifty in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
Pooja Vastrakar has been impressive, sharing the new-ball duties with Renuka Singh, while Deepti Sharma produced exemplary death bowling against the West Indies.
The fielding has also been poor, with misfields and dropped catches interspersed with some spectacular displays. India can afford to slow down against England who are bound to punish any mistakes.
On the other hand, strong title contenders England, like India, are unbeaten after two games and are well placed to qualify for the semi-finals.
On the same points as India (+0.590), Heather Knight and Co. lead the group thanks to a high net run rate of +2.497.
The combination of youth and experience is backed up by the experience of Knight, Nate and Kathryn Sciver-Brunt and Danny White for former champions like Kepsey and Lauren Bell.
Teams (from):
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shifali Verma, Yesthika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, Jemima Rodriguez, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gaikwad and.
England: Heather Knight (C), Lauren Bell, Maya Bouchier, Alice Kepsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Catherine Skewer Brunt, Nate Skewer Brunt, Lauren Winfield. and Danny White.
The match will start at 6.30 IST.
