Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, IND vs PAK: Pakistan Win Toss, Opt to Bat; India Eye Comeback – Check Playing XIs

Dubai: India women’s team heads into a crucial Super Sunday (October 6) clash against Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, at Dubai International Stadium.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s women are under pressure after a heavy 58-run loss to New Zealand on Friday, which left them at the bottom of the points table with a -2.900 net run rate.

India’s batting lineup, featuring stars like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, faltered in their chase of 161, collapsing for 102 in 19 overs. Despite positive starts, none of the batters could capitalise, resulting in their lowest-ever total in the tournament.

Fielding errors compounded India’s struggles, with dropped catches and misfields adding to the pressure. Renuka Singh bowled economically, but the decision to limit in-form Pooja Vastrakar to just one over raised eyebrows.

With three matches remaining, India’s qualification to the semi-finals is uncertain, even if they win all their games. They face tough competition from New Zealand and Australia.

Assistant coach Avishkar Salvi remains optimistic, urging the team to stick to their plans and stay united. “It’s a fresh opportunity for us. The girls have been through this before. We tell them to stay strong, believe in their abilities, and get back to it,” Salvi said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, led by new captain Fatima Sana, stunned Sri Lanka with a 31-run victory after losing two warm-up games. Despite early struggles, Fatima’s 30 off 20 balls helped Pakistan post 116. Fatima also starred with the ball, dismissing Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu.

However, Pakistan face a challenge with Diana Baig potentially out due to injury, leaving Tasmia Rubab and Syeda Aroob Shah as possible replacements.

India hold a dominant 12-3 record against Pakistan in Women’s T20Is, including a 5-2 lead in World Cups. In their last encounter, India secured a seven-wicket victory in Cape Town.

India will enter as favourites but must be cautious, as Pakistan are no pushovers.

Playing XIs

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, S Sajana, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh

Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali(w), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Omaima Sohail, Fatima Sana(c), Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadia Iqbal