Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Match 4 | IN-W vs NZ-W Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

Mandhana and Amelia will be the players to watch out for [Source: @ICC/X]

On Friday, India will kickstart their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against New Zealand. The much-anticipated encounter will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

IN-W vs NZ-W: Team Previews

India Women

Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women have outright match-winners throughout their line-up. The dynamic duo of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will open the batting for India, while skipper Harmanpreet will form the middle-order alongside the reliable Jemimah Rodrigues and the flamboyant Richa Ghosh. These five players will be India's key batters along with Deepti Sharma, who will be pivotal in the lower middle order. 

The talismanic all-rounder will also be India's go-to bowling option, while Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh Thakur will lead the pace battery. There will be a toss-up between Yastika Bhatia, Dayalan Hemalatha and Sajeevan Sajana for an additional batter's slot, with Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav likely to be preferred over a third seamer. Overall, India Women have a formidable team and can give New Zealand a run for their money in this match. 

---

ALSO READ

Smriti Mandhana And...? 3 Indian Players To Watch Out For In The Women's T20 World Cup 2024

---

New Zealand Women

Kerr with Suzie Bates [Source: @ICC/X]

On the other hand, New Zealand will heavily rely on Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer and skipper Sophie Devine to succeed with the bat, while Amelia Kerr will be their wrecker-in-chief as an all-rounder. These four players can be serious threats to the Women in Blue and will be New Zealand's players to watch out for in this game. 

Apart from these three, the eyes will also be on Maddy Green and Leigh Kasperek, who might be effective in Dubai. The experienced Lea Tahuhu will spearhead the White Ferns' bowling attack, with Hannah Rowe supporting her in the pace department. 

IN-W vs NZ-W: Match Details And Live Streaming

IN-W vs NZ-W: Dubai Pitch Report

The surface at Dubai International Cricket Stadium will offer a hint of seam movement and extra bounce for the fast bowlers early on with the new ball. However, the track will become better for batting as the game progresses. The spinners will get some turn; but as it won't be excessive, the batters can negotiate with it in the middle overs. Generally, the pitch flattens out and significantly favours the batters in the second half. So, considering the ground's track record, the toss-winner will likely bowl first. 

IN-W vs NZ-W: Probable Playing XIs

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (C), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur

New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (WK), Hannah Rowe, Jess Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu

IN-W vs NZ-W: Winner Prediction

Comparing the strength of both sides, we reckon India Women are the favourites to win this match. 

---

ALSO READ

‘Harmanpreet Kaur Is Fierce…’ Smriti Mandhana Hails Indian Skipper Ahead Of T20 WC 2024

---