Naman Garg
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India will open their campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 against New Zealand in Dubai on Friday. The Women in Blue will be hoping to get off to a strong start in Group A, marked as the group of death in the competition. India and New Zealand are yet to win a T20 World Cup, but have endured similar journeys in the history of the tournament. The White Ferns finished runners-up in the first two editions in 2009 and 2010 but have not made the last-four at the tournament since 2016. Meanwhile, India finished runners-up behind Australia in 2020 while falling in the semi-finals last year.
India and New Zealand T20 World Cup record is as follows:
India– Matches: 36; Won: 20; Lost: 16
New Zealand – Matches: 36; Won: 24; Lost: 12.
India hold an underwhelming record against New Zealand in women’s T20Is, winning only four of their 13 meetings. NZ have won four of their last five clashes, including their last meeting in 2022. India comes into this match with an explosive top order, led by Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, who will be crucial in providing a strong start. The reliable Harmanpreet Kaur will anchor the middle order, while Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues offer stability. On the bowling front, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh will be key to stifling New Zealand’s dangerous batters. For New Zealand, the ever-dependable Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine will aim to take charge at the top. All-rounder Amelia Kerr has been in superb form, both with bat and ball, making her a pivotal figure. With Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu spearheading the bowling attack, the Kiwis are well equipped to challenge India’s batters.The Dubai pitch traditionally offers something for both batters and bowlers. While fast bowlers will relish the early swing, batters will thrive once they settle in. Spinners may struggle to extract much from the surface, making the middle overs critical. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures hovering around 31°C and humidity at 64%. With no rain forecast, fans can look forward to uninterrupted action.
India predicted XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana/Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh
New Zealand predicted XI: Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu.