Women’s T20 World Cup: IND vs NZ Preview – India women face white ferns in their opening assignment

India Women are gearing up to take on New Zealand Women in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team is looking to capitalize on their strong batting lineup, featuring players like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The conditions in the UAE are expected to be challenging, particularly as the tournament progresses, making it crucial for the Indian side to adapt quickly.

On the other hand, New Zealand, captained by Sophie Devine, will seek to establish momentum after some recent setbacks. The team boasts a mix of seasoned players like Suzie Bates and talented newcomers such as Amelia Kerr. Their success will hinge on balancing experience with youthful exuberance, especially against a formidable Indian bowling attack that relies heavily on spinners.

Both teams understand the importance of a strong start in the tournament, and the match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM IST. The stakes are high, with each squad eager to showcase their skills on the global stage.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to provide assistance to fast bowlers, particularly at the start of the match, with potential for seam movement and bounce. Historically, the average first-innings score in T20 matches at this venue hovers around 129 runs, making it crucial for teams to assess conditions early on

Probable XI

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Richa Ghosh (WK), Radha Yadav, Meghna Singh, Renuka Singh, Titas Sadhu

New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green, Katey Martin (WK), Hannah Rowe, Frances Mackay, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson, Jess Kerr, Izzy Gaze​