On Friday, that is, the Indian women’s team will take their first steps towards winning the coveted ICC T20 World Cup for the first time in history. As far as the World Cups are concerned, India’s odyssey has been that of unfulfilled promise and lost chances. The last time they came close to winning was way back in 2020 when they played the final match of the tournament, which they eventually lost to an Australian side at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium.
Seeking to move out of the slight shadows cast by the former adverse results, India will start, as always, with Harmanpreet Kaur going first to her team on the field in Dubai against New Zealand in the first Group A match. New Zealand Women have won just one out of their 13 T20I matches played in 2018, and as such, India should be an overwhelming favourite.
Captain Harmanpreet, who has been a part of every T20 World Cup, from the very first to the latest one, reassures the rest of the members of the squad. “There was no doubt about our aim – glory for our country and our fans, who, no matter whatever ball we are playing, are always backing us. The team operates under a specific goal and each has been urged to train in a way which will lead to achievement,” stated Harmanpreet on the eve of their opener.
This time there is a set of international experience players who all keen on getting into action. Opening the inning for India is Smriti Mandhana, who has been a layer of an asset due to her classy batting and aggressive attitude. Then there is the explosive teenager Shafali Verma who has brute strength and the skill to tear down any bowling line-up. There are hints to the match winners in Skipper Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. D Hemalatha, who has been afforded more chances than she has taken, will be wanting to do so as well.
However, it isn’t only the batters that will be crucial. The Indian bowling however has strength and variation, particularly in the spin department. With regards to the weather and the turf in Dubai, more often than not it is suitable for batsmen, however some assistance could be given out to bowlers. While there is no denying the fact that India has a potent three-prong pace attack in the form of Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy, the slowness of the pitch should still allow the spinners to be in the game.
India has more than enough depth in quality spin bowling department with off spiner Deepti Sharma leading the charge. As an off-spinner, Deepti had taken 131 wickets at an expense of 5.97 runs which of course, will be a good surprise package for the kiwi batters. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav makes for good support and the two together are quite a handful.
Though not in good form recently, the New Zealand team is always a well-known team that pulls up its socks for the game. Under the able leadership of Sophie Devine who is a seasoned campaigner, the team is well adept in handling tough competition.
With seasoned fighter Suzie Bates and a very active Amelia Kerr, New Zealand seems to have a very well rounded side who will be able to contend with India’s aggression. While there is pace in Lea Tahuhu and guile in Jess Kerr in the bowling department, they would face the fierce Indian batting line up.
Devine understands that the journey ahead will be a long and hard one. “When you’ve got India and Australia and Sri Lanka as well, it’s going to be a pretty tough pool for progression. But we certainly love our chances coming up against those sorts of teams. It has been a lull for a lot of cricket in the UAE so it will be quite a hard task for all the teams, but we are really looking forward to playing there,” said Devine.
India women resume quest for maiden ICC T20 World Cup trophy against New Zealand women | Parami News
