The 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup started with three close matches including a big upset when the West Indies Women beat hosts New Zealand by just 3 runs. It is now the turn of a famous rivalry to resume after a long gap. Women's matches between India and Pakistan may not get the hype their male counterparts, but it is nevertheless a crucial match for both sides.
The two teams have not played each other since their last face off during the 2017 World Cup when India won by 95 runs.
Since the lockdown, India lost ODI series against South Africa at home as well as in England, Australia and New Zealand in the last two years. Although there were a few memorable performances, the overall form was not consistent. However, having played a T20I and five ODIs in New Zealand last month, they should be familiar with the conditions.
Bowling remains a concern for India. Twice they failed to defend totals in excess of 270, and their spinners have not been in form. Their batting will depend on the top order, including Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia. The experienced Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur will play key roles in the middle order. Kaur’s return to form can be a big boost. They also have young Richa Ghosh, who has established herself as an effective hitter and a handy wicketkeeper.
Pakistan have problems of their own. They have gone winless in the last two World Cups. They have won a few matches away from home, in Zimbabwe and West Indies, but lost to Bangladesh. Since Sana Mir’s retirement, captain Bismah Maroof has been their most prominent player and will play a key role. Vice-captain Nida Dar is their primary all-rounder, and they will expect support from Muneeba Ali, Javeria Khan and Omaima Sohail with the bat.
Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig are their two most experienced bowlers. Fatima Sana is another young bowling all-rounder who has 21 wickets in 15 WODIs.
Likely XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Jhulan Goswami, Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Pakistan: Nahida Khan, Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Javeria Khan, Bismah Maroof (c), Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu
Fantasy tips
- Mandhana had started her last World Cup with a century against West Indies. Currently the number one player in the world, she should have a good start.
- Despite probably playing her last World Cup, Goswami is still is the leader of the Indian attack, and should be key against Pakistan.
- Dar and Sharma are the prominent all-rounders from these two teams.
Fantasy XI
Richa Ghosh; Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Nahida Khan; Nida Dar (vc), Deepti Sharma (c), Harmanpreet Kaur; Jhulan Goswami, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Diana Baig, Nashara Sandhu