Women's WC Preview | India seek to enter semis with momentum as Bangladesh await in last group clash

India Women will be looking to end the league stage on a high after confirming a semi-final spot with a win in their previous fixture against New Zealand, following a challenging run in the tournament. With a strong squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the team will be focused on delivering a collective effort against Bangladesh Women. Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma will be key players for India, with the middle order needing to step up and support the top order. The team’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud, will aim to restrict Bangladesh’s batting and build pressure early in the innings. India’s depth and experience make them the favorites, but they will need to overcome their recent inconsistency.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Women will be hoping to put their recent struggles behind them and produce a strong performance. With Nigar Sultana leading the charge, the team will rely on contributions from players like Sharmin Akhter and Ritu Moni. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter will be crucial with the ball, aiming to take early wickets and apply pressure throughout the match. Bangladesh will need to find their rhythm and build partnerships to challenge a strong Indian side, but they will be motivated to end their losing streak with a breakthrough performance.

This match presents an opportunity for both teams to provide a positive finish to their round-robin campaigns. India, with their superior squad depth, will be eager to continue with winning ways, while Bangladesh will look to surprise their opponents and gain much-needed momentum in the tournament.

Form Guide

India has struggled in their recent matches, with defeats to South Africa, Australia, and England albeit they bounced back in a practically must-win affair against New Zealand with a 54-run hammering of the Kiwis. Their batting has failed to provide consistent runs, and their bowlers have been unable to build sustained pressure. Despite this, they have strong players in Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, who can turn the match around if they fire. The team’s top order, including Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, needs to contribute more significantly in this must-win match.

Bangladesh has been in poor form, losing all of their last five matches following a win against Pakistan in the tournament opener. Their batting has been inconsistent, with key players like Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter failing to build partnerships. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter have shown glimpses of potential in bowling, but the team as a whole has struggled with discipline. If they are to challenge India, the entire squad will need to perform at its best.

India Women: W W L L L

Bangladesh Women: L L L L L

Head to Head

India Women have had a dominant record against Bangladesh Women, winning six out of their seven completed encounters. Bangladesh’s only victory came in 2018, in a historic Asia Cup final that saw the Tigresses lift their first major titale, but since then India has maintained a firm grip on their meetings. Recent head-to-head contests have further highlighted India’s superiority, with the team consistently outplaying Bangladesh in key moments. Given their depth in both batting and bowling, India enters this match as the clear favorite, though Bangladesh will be hoping to create an upset.

India 6-1 Bangladesh

Pitch and Weather

The pitch at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy is expected to provide an even contest between bat and ball. Early on, fast bowlers will get some assistance, but as the match progresses, spinners could play a crucial role. The weather is expected to be clear with temperatures around 30°C, providing ideal conditions for a full match. The dry conditions could favor spinners as the game advances, making it important for the teams to adjust quickly to the conditions.

Team News

India is expected to field their strongest available XI for this important match. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues anchoring the top order. The middle order will rely on Deepti Sharma, who has been consistent with both bat and ball, and Richa Ghosh, who has shown great promise as a wicketkeeper-batter. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Renuka Singh, supported by Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani, who will look to capitalize on the conditions in Navi Mumbai. India will be looking to strengthen their team’s overall performance and consistency.

Bangladesh is likely to make tactical adjustments ahead of the match. Nigar Sultana, the captain, will continue to lead the team, and her performance will be crucial for their chances. Sharmin Akhter and Fargana Hoque will need to contribute more significantly at the top of the order. Bangladesh will rely on their bowlers, particularly Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter, to provide the breakthroughs and control India’s batting. The team will need to ensure better partnerships in both batting and bowling to challenge India in this encounter.

India (Probable XI): Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

Bangladesh Women (Probable XI): Rubya Haider, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Nishita Akter Nishi, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter

Broadcasting Platforms

The match between India Women and Bangladesh Women will be broadcast live on several platforms. Fans in India can watch the match on Star Sports and JioHotstar, while international audiences can follow live commentary and updates via ESPN Cricinfo.