The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is underway, with highly competitive matches already taking place in the UAE. The tournament kicked off on Thursday, October 3, with Bangladesh securing a win against Scotland in the opening game. Following that, Pakistan triumphed over Sri Lanka in the second match. Today, Friday, October 4, Team India is set to embark on its journey in the tournament, facing New Zealand in what promises to be an exciting encounter. The match will take place at the prestigious Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 PM.
India’s Record Against New Zealand
Historically, the Indian women’s cricket team has struggled in the T20 World Cup, managing to reach the finals only once, without securing the coveted trophy. In contrast, New Zealand has been a formidable competitor, being a runner-up in the tournament twice but also falling short of clinching the title. In their encounters, the New Zealand team has maintained a significant advantage over India in T20 internationals. Out of the 13 matches played between the two teams, India has only emerged victorious in 4, suffering defeat in 9.
Current Form: Who’s on the Rise?
The last time India and New Zealand clashed was in February 2022, where New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs. Fast forward to now, and both teams are entering this match with different momentum. Team India has shown promising form since then, returning from the Asia Cup finals with a robust record of 11 wins out of 16 T20 matches in 2024. On the other hand, New Zealand is navigating a rough patch, having lost 10 consecutive T20 matches this year and winning only once. This stark contrast in performance could play a significant role in today’s match.
Insights on Performance in Dubai
Interestingly, Team India and New Zealand’s women’s squads have never faced off in Dubai until today. Out of the five T20 matches held at this venue so far, the team batting second has triumphed in four, a trend that could influence team strategies for this match. Notably, the pitch is expected to favor spin bowlers, leading to speculation about Team India’s bowling line-up.
Team India’s Expected Playing XI
Considering the anticipated conditions and performance trends, the Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, might opt for a spin-heavy bowling attack that includes off-spinner Shreyanka Patil, seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma, and leg-spinner Asha Shobhana. The pace attack could feature all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar alongside bowlers Arundhati Reddy and Renuka Thakur.
In the batting order, the opening pair may see Shefali Verma partnered with Smriti Mandhana, followed by captain Harmanpreet Kaur in the top order. Jemimah Rodrigues and wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh are likely to anchor the middle order, aiming to build a solid innings for India.
Projected Playing XI for Team India:
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shefali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Asha Shobhana, Shreyanka Patil.
