Women's T20 WC: Familiar rivals renew battle as India, South Africa eye crucial advantage (Preview)
Manchester, June 20
Old Trafford will stage one of the defining contests of Group 1 on Sunday as South Africa take on an unbeaten India in a fixture that could have a significant bearing on the race to the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals.
With only two teams advancing from the six-team group, every result carries extra weight. India have made a stronger start, comfortably overcoming Pakistan and tournament debutants the Netherlands to sit in a commanding position heading into their third outing.
South Africa, meanwhile, recovered from an opening defeat to defending champions Australia by edging Pakistan in a tense encounter, keeping their campaign firmly on track.
For the Proteas, victory would not only level the playing field but also strengthen their credentials before the business end of the group stage. India, on the other hand, know they still have Australia to face and will be determined to avoid any slip-up that could complicate their route to the knockout rounds.
The contest also offers a fascinating duel between two of the finest opening batters in the women's game. South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and India's Smriti Mandhana have consistently led from the front for their respective sides, although they arrive in contrasting form. Mandhana has produced consecutive half-centuries in the tournament, while Wolvaardt is looking to bounce back after a subdued outing against Pakistan following her 44 against Australia.
India's spin attack has been central to their unbeaten run. Deepti Sharma dismantled Pakistan with a five-wicket haul before Shree Charani ripped through the Netherlands with four wickets, highlighting the variety and control that have made the Women in Blue difficult to score against.
South Africa, however, possess players capable of countering that threat. Annerie Dercksen displayed remarkable composure against Pakistan's slow bowlers in her match-winning half-century, an innings that could prove invaluable preparation for Sunday's challenge.
History offers little separation between the sides. India narrowly lead the overall T20I head-to-head 11-10, but recent meetings have favoured South Africa. Earlier this year, the Proteas dominated a five-match home series 4-1, powered by a prolific Laura Wolvaardt, who amassed 330 runs, including three fifties and a century.
The two teams also shared one of the biggest stages in women's cricket when they met in last year's ODI World Cup final, where India emerged victorious despite a century from Wolvaardt. Sunday's clash may not be for silverware, but with semifinal qualification hanging in the balance, its significance will be impossible to ignore.
When: Sunday, June 21, 7:00 PM IST
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk
— IANS
Reader Comments
I wish the team management would give more chances to young players like Bharti Fulmali and Kranti Gaud in the middle overs. They have raw talent that needs to be nurtured. That said, credit where it's due - Deepti and Charani have been outstanding. Also, Richa Ghosh needs to step up with the bat; she's been quiet so far.
As someone who follows global cricket, I think this match will really test India's depth. Wolvaardt is dangerous - she scored 330 runs against India earlier this year. But Mandhana vs Wolvaardt is going to be a treat to watch! Hoping for a close contest that goes down to the wire.
I've been following women's cricket since the 2017 World Cup, and this Indian team is definitely one of the most balanced we've ever had. The spin attack is world-class, but I'm slightly concerned about our pace bowling against South Africa's top order. Renuka Singh needs to be on point. Also, why no Radha Yadav in the playing XI so far? She's a proven performer.
I've been watching the Women's T20 World Cup from the States, and India's bowling unit really impresses me. Deepti Sharma is just brilliant - she's like our version of Ashwin in women's cricket. The only thing that worries me is our batting depth below No. 5. Shafali has been inconsistent, and Jemimah needs to convert starts into big scores.
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