The gap between the two teams has widened in the last five years, with India consistently challenging the supremacy of Australia and England. In Pakistan, however, women’s cricket has stalled.
The fact that the game is scheduled a day before the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction adds to the Indian players’ motivation. It may be a distraction for some.
India is concerned about the fitness of their captain Harmanpreet Kaur (shoulder) and Smriti Mandhana (finger) ahead of the first game. Following Saturday’s practise session, a decision on their participation will be made.
They are both senior players who are vital to the team. Even if they are not fully prepared for the game, we will not risk playing them because it is only the first game of the tournament According to a BCCI source.
India enters the World Cup after losing a tri-series final to South Africa that they should have won. They also lost to Australia in the warm-up game before beating Bangladesh. India is expected to reach the ICC event semifinals once more, but if they are to defeat the mighty Australia, they will need to improve in all areas.
With the exception of Renuka Singh, the bowling unit lacks confidence. Shikha Pandey, who has yet to pick a wicket since her return last month, will be eager to provide early breakthroughs in the showpiece.
Recently, the spinners’ performance has also fallen short of expectations. Harmanpreet and Mandhana require all the help they can get in the batting department. Shafali Verma, who led India to the inaugural U-19 World Cup title, will be eager to put her doubters to rest with a strong performance.
Jemimah Rodrigues will be under pressure to perform because she has yet to play an impactful knock since her comeback. Pooja Vastrakar’s role as a pace bowling all-rounder will also be crucial to India’s chances in the tournament.
Richa Ghosh is one of the team’s few X-factor players, and she will be heavily relied on for big hitting in the death overs. Nida Dar will be the player to watch for in Pakistan.
Pakistan enters the competition having previously played a series against Australia. They defeated Bangladesh in their first warm-up game before falling to South Africa.
