IND-W vs ENG-W: Match Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Live Streaming
India to take on England women [Twitter]
World Cup allows us to witness top teams collide against each other, and we are about to see two top teams battle for supremacy, as India women have a monumental task ahead of themselves, when they face England women on Saturday.
Both the teams are undefeated so far, and that streak will be broken in the next game. India women won two close fought battles - one against Pakistan, and other against West Indies. In both the matches, Richa Ghosh played a calm and composed knock to steer India past the winning line.
But India know that they need to play as a unit to beat an England side, who have dominated their opponents in the opening two matches.
The death bowling still remains a major worry for the Harmanpreet led side. India have leaked runs towards the fag end of the innings, and they can't repeat the same mistake against the English side.
Spinners have been India's biggest weapon in the tournament, with Deepti Sharma leading the charge, and spin can be the way to stop Heather Knight and co.
On the other hand, England women's team have adopted the Bazball approach and no matter who the opposition is, they have attacked right from the word go.
If Nat Sciver and Sophie Ecclestone were the stars against West Indies, then Alice Capsey showed her worth against Ireland and blasted a quick-fire fifty to take England home. They have plenty of match-winners and this would be England's toughest test till date.
A riveting battle is expected when the two team will meet on Saturday.
Match Preview
Date and Time: February 18, 6:30 PM IST
Venue: St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Live Streaming/Telecast: Star Sports and Disney + Hotstar
Pitch Report
Expect a slow surface. Pitches have slowed down in South Africa and this could play in India's hands. India will go spin heavy on a surface where stroke-making is not an easy thing. The ball won't come onto the bat properly and the batters need to adjust to it.
Probable XI
IND: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Thakur Singh
ENG: Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver Brunt, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlotte Dean, Katherine Sciver Brunt, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keeper: Richa Ghosh
Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley
All-Rounders: Deepti Sharma, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver
Bowlers: Renuka Singh Thakur, Sarah Glenn, Sophie Ecclestone
Captain: Nat Sciver
Vice Captain: Smriti Mandhana
Prediction
A tough one to call. Both the teams have been equally good and have been undefeated so far. But with pitches playing on the slower side, expect India to wreak havoc. India for the win.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
