Women's T20 WC: India seek complete performance vs Bangladesh as semi-final race intensifies (Preview)
Manchester, June 24
India's path to the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals remains firmly in their own hands, but Thursday's meeting with Bangladesh offers little room for complacency. With the tournament entering a decisive phase, Harmanpreet Kaur's side must find answers to growing concerns that have surfaced despite occupying a strong position in Group A.
The biggest challenge for India is no longer at the top of the order. Questions surrounding the opening partnership have largely disappeared thanks to the aggressive starts provided by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The duo has consistently laid solid foundations, allowing India to dominate the powerplay in multiple matches.
What follows, however, has become a recurring problem. India's middle order has struggled to convert those strong starts into commanding totals. Too often, momentum has stalled during the middle overs, forcing finishers Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma to play catch-up with limited deliveries remaining. Against stronger opposition, that approach could prove costly.
The defeat to South Africa highlighted another issue. After reducing the Proteas to 25 for 2, India appeared in complete control before missed opportunities in the field allowed the game to drift away. As the knockout stage approaches, such lapses could become the difference between victory and elimination.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, arrives with confidence and momentum. Wins over Pakistan and defending champions New Zealand have demonstrated the depth and discipline within their squad. Rather than relying on individual brilliance, Bangladesh have built their campaign on collective contributions and smart execution.
For India, the equation is straightforward. A victory would strengthen their hold on a semi-final berth and restore confidence before a blockbuster clash against Australia. For Bangladesh, another upset would dramatically reshape the Group A standings and enhance their own qualification prospects.
The spotlight may be on India's batting lineup, but Thursday's contest could ultimately be decided by which team handles the pressure moments better.
When: Thursday, June 25, 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 (vc), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav, Nandini Sharma, Shree Charani.
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c&wk), Nahida Akter (vc), Dilara Akter (wk), Juairiya Firdous (wk), Sobhana Mostary, Tej Nehar, Sharmin Akhter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Marufa Akter, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Sultana Khatun.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Bangladesh team has improved a lot, no doubt. But this is India's match to lose. Our bowling attack with Renuka and Deepti is strong enough to contain them. Just need to avoid those silly fielding lapses! Remember the South Africa game - dropped catches cost us dearly. If we field like champions, we'll win comfortably.
I think the team management should consider promoting Richa Ghosh up the order. She has the power game to accelerate in the middle overs, and it would give us more depth. We can't rely solely on Mandhana-Verma fireworks every match. Also, why is Yastika Bhatia not getting more overs? She's a solid player. Slight change in batting order could do wonders.
Finally some proper analysis! 👏 Everyone just focuses on the top order, but the middle-order collapse is the real headache. Against a strong Australia, we can't afford to get stuck. Bangladesh are playing smart cricket - they won't make it easy. Let's hope Harmanpreet leads from the front and our girls show some grit. India women's cricket has come a long way, let's back them!
Bangladesh beating New Zealand was no fluke - they've got a balanced side. But India should still win this comfortably if they execute plans well. My only worry is the middle order. Jemimah Rodrigues needs to play the anchor role she did in the Asia Cup. Also, fielding practice! Those missed catches against South Africa were painful to watch. Go India! 🇮🇳
K Kiran H