Women’s T20 World Cup: India seek strong response against Bangladesh as semi-final race heats up
Team India will be aiming to bounce back in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after their defeat to South Africa in Manchester. That loss not only ended their unbeaten run but also made their road to the semi-finals a little trickier, with matches against Bangladesh and Australia still to come.
Before the much-anticipated clash against Australia at Lord’s, the Women in Blue will be eager to make a statement with a significant win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford. A convincing victory could further boost India’s net run rate, which may prove crucial in the race for a semi-final spot.
Meanwhile, after their own match, India will keep a close eye on the South Africa vs Netherlands clash in Bristol. As things stand in Group A, if both India and South Africa win their remaining two matches, they will finish with eight points each, making net run rate a decisive factor.
However, Bangladesh have also collected four points from three matches after victories over the Netherlands and Pakistan. They will head into this contest with renewed belief and the hope of defeating India in a Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
For the Netherlands, it is another opportunity to test themselves against one of the leading sides in women’s cricket and gain valuable experience at the highest level.
Head-to-head
India vs Bangladesh
Total matches played: 23
India won: 20
Bangladesh won: 3
South Africa vs Netherlands
Total matches played: 1
South Africa won: 1
Netherlands won: 0
The only meeting between these two teams came back in 2010 during the ICC Women’s Cricket Twenty20 Challenge.
Current standings
India – 2nd, 4 points from 3 matches (2 wins, 1 loss), NRR +2.511
South Africa – 3rd, 4 points from 3 matches (2 wins, 1 loss), NRR -0.546
Bangladesh – 4th, 4 points from 3 matches (2 wins, 1 loss), NRR -0.641
Netherlands – 6th, 0 points from 3 matches (3 losses), NRR -3.384
Players to watch out for
India vs Bangladesh
During India’s practice session on matchday minus one, the spinners were seen having an extended bowling session. In one of the nets, Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav bowled together, while N Sree Charani and Prema Rawat worked in another area of the ground.
The spotlight will once again be on Charani, who has now become the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler in the world. In just three matches, she has already picked up 10 wickets. On what could be another slightly slow Manchester surface, she could once again pose a major threat.
For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter will be keen to carry forward the confidence she gained from her match-winning unbeaten 39 off 22 balls against Pakistan. Facing a quality side like India will present a different challenge altogether, but it is also a great opportunity for her to showcase her potential on the world stage.
South Africa vs Netherlands
Veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp produced a stunning unbeaten 81 off 45 balls against India to guide South Africa to a crucial victory. Earlier in the same match, she also claimed two wickets.
South Africa will hope Kapp can continue her outstanding all-round form and produce another match-winning performance against the Dutch women.
For the Netherlands, despite three defeats so far, there have been several positives. One of the biggest has been the performance of captain Babette de Leede. She has been highly impressive with the bat, already scoring two half-centuries — 50 against Bangladesh and an unbeaten 56 against Australia.
This will be another opportunity for her to shine on the biggest stage, particularly against a quality South African bowling attack featuring players like Kapp and Shabnim Ismail.
Pitch and weather
At Old Trafford in Manchester, a sporting wicket similar to the one used for the India-South Africa match is expected. As the innings progresses, spinners are likely to come more into the game and could have a significant impact.
In Bristol, the surface has generally played a little slower. In the three matches played there so far, teams batting second have emerged victorious. Sides batting first have struggled to post competitive totals, making the toss a potentially important factor.
As for the weather, according to AccuWeather, conditions in both Manchester and Bristol are expected to be mostly sunny, warm and relatively less humid. There is no forecast of rain at any stage of the day. As a result, both matches are expected to proceed without interruption.
India Women (PC: BCCI Women)Probable Playing XIs
India
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, Renuka Singh Thakur, N Sree Charani, Nandini Sharma
Bangladesh
Juairiya Ferdous, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Shanjida Akter, Marufa Akter
South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Netherlands
Heather Siegers, Phebe Molkenboer, Babette de Leede (c & wk), Sterre Kalis, Robine Rijke, Frederique Overdijk, Iris Zwilling, Myrthe van den Raad, Caroline de Lange, Silver Siegers, Isabel van der Woning
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