The Women's T20 World Cup is starting from Thursday, but the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team will start its campaign from Friday. India will face New Zealand in its first match of Group A. Statistics-wise, New Zealand's record against India has been good, but the Indian team has come to this tournament fully prepared and has the power to beat any team on its day.
The role of spinners will be important.
It is quite likely that India will play only two fast bowlers in the match against New Zealand and will have to rely more on spinners. India has extraordinary variety in the spin department. The command of the attack will be on the shoulders of off-spinner Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil, leg spinner Asha Shobhana, and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav. The New Zealand team also has a good mix of experienced and young players, which makes the team's claim strong. Charismatic captain Sophie Devine, experienced all-rounder Suzie Bates, and experienced fast bowlers Lee Tahuhu and Leigh Kasperek are the backbone of the team. Young all-rounder Amelia Kerr is also an important part of the team and the New Zealand team can perform surprisingly in the tournament. However, the breakdown of pitches can help India's spinners, which is the strong side of the team.
Mandhana in form, Harmanpreet's poor form a matter of concern
India will expect significant contributions from its top players 35-year-old Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, Jemima Rodriguez, Shefali Verma, and Deepti Sharma. Shefali and Mandhana are in great form. They scored runs in their last international match in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in July but India lost to the hosts in the final. Mandhana has scored three half-centuries in the last five T20 innings. However, Harmanpreet's performance has been somewhat disappointing and her being in form is important for India's top and middle order.
India will aim to end the title drought.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is probably playing her last T20 World Cup, has witnessed many close misses and disappointing moments, including the defeat against Australia in the final in Melbourne in the T20 World Cup 2020. Like the past, this Indian team is also full of talent and perhaps only Australia has such a good team. But defending champions Australia has six T20 World Cup titles, while India is waiting for their first title. New Zealand are two-time runners-up and a win against them can be considered a sign of being in a good position strategically and mentally. It will be important for India to start with a win as this group also has Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
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