Team India is all set to begin their campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup with a high-pressure match against New Zealand on October 4th. This match, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, will start at 7:30 PM IST. India will be eager to start strong, but their past performance against New Zealand has been shaky.
India’s Tough Record Against New Zealand
The Indian Women’s team has struggled against New Zealand in T20 internationals. Out of 13 encounters, India has only managed to win 4 matches while losing 9. New Zealand has always been a tough opponent for India, making this opening match crucial for the Women in Blue.
Though neither team has won the T20 World Cup before, New Zealand has reached the finals twice, a feat India has only achieved once.
Recent Form: India in a Better Position?
The last time India and New Zealand faced off in a T20 match was in February 2022, where India lost by 18 runs. But in 2024, things look different. India has been in good form, recently finishing as runners-up in the Asia Cup. This year, India has won 11 out of 16 T20 matches, losing just 4. In contrast, New Zealand has been on a downward spiral, losing 10 consecutive T20 matches. Their poor form could give India an edge.
Conditions in Dubai: What to Expect?
This will be the first time the India and New Zealand women’s teams are playing in Dubai. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for favoring teams batting second. Out of five T20 matches played here, teams chasing have won four times, while only one match has been won by a team batting first. This makes the toss an important factor in deciding the outcome.
Spin bowlers are expected to play a key role on the Dubai pitch. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur might rely on spinners like Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Shobhana to take advantage of these conditions.
Possible Playing XI for India
The Indian squad is likely to field a balanced mix of experienced and young players for this important clash. The top order will likely feature experienced players like Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma. Harmanpreet Kaur is expected to anchor the middle order, while Jemimah Rodrigues and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh will strengthen the middle and lower-middle order.
In terms of bowling, India is expected to lean heavily on its spin attack, with Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Shobhana playing key roles. Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, and Renuka Singh will likely handle the pace department.
Predicted Playing XI:
- 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
India will be eager to break their losing streak against New Zealand and start their World Cup campaign on a positive note. With the right team combination and strategy, they could change their fortunes in Dubai.
