Analysis
Women’s 20-20 World Cup 2023- India’s predicted playing XI for the clash against England
India will face England in the group stages of the Women’s 20-20 World Cup on Saturday.
The Women’s 20-20 World Cup 2023 happening in South Africa has been a fine watch. Indian fans especially have had a great time watching the premier T20 competition with their team yet to lose a game. India opened their tournament with a high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan and won the game comfortably by 7 wickets and one over to go. They followed this big win with another comfortable 6-wicket victory in the second game against West Indies.
They’ll face England next in the tournament in a true heavyweights clash. England are sitting atop the points table in Group B, enjoying a better net run rate than India, who sit second but are tied on points. Here’s how India’s playing XI could look in the next game.
Top Order
Top Order, India’s predicted XI vs England (Source: Twitter)
Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma should ride on her decent outings in the Women’s 20-20 World Cup. She has scored 33 and 28 runs in the two games and has helped her side make a strong start.
Smriti Mandhana: After missing out on the first high-octane clash against Pakistan, Smriti Mandhana returned for the game against West Indies. However, she could only score 10 runs. She would still keep her position in the XI. Mandhana is the type of player who can influence games on her best day.
Jemimah Rodrigues: At number 3, Jemimah Rodrigues would continue preserving her spot. He batted exceptionally well in the opening game against Pakistan. She got out cheaply in the last match, but fans can be hopeful that it was just a fluke. She’s the best option for India at number 3.
Middle Order, Allrounders and Wicketkeeper
Deepti Sharma, India’s playing XI vs England (Source: Twitter)
Harmanpreet Kaur (C): India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur would be a crucial batter at number four. Her strike rate could be an issue, but she’s still India’s best innings-builder. She batted well for her 33 in the last game.
Richa Ghosh (wk): To complement Kaur’s anchoring nature, a hard-hitting Richa Ghosh is the best option. She scored a quick-fire 44 and remained not out to take India over the finish line against West Indies. In the game against Pakistan also, she remained not out at 31 off 20.
Devika Vaidya: The first allrounder of the team would be Devika Vaidya keeping her place from the last game. Her leg spin is always a handy weapon to have.
Deepti Sharma: Deepti Sharma will continue to preserve her place in the XI. The allrounder was impressive in the game against West Indies, picking up three wickets to add to her existing scalp against Pakistan to make a total tally of four in the tournament.
Bowlers
Bowlers, India’s playing XI vs England. (Source: Twitter)
Pooja Vastrakar: While India will hope these players do not have to bat in the next game, Pooja Vastrakar is one of them who can be handy with the bat. She has picked up a wicket each in the games against Pakistan and West Indies.
Radha Yadav: Up next, Radha Yadav will keep her position, having had two scalps against Pakistan. She bowled one single over against West Indies, conceding just eight runs.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad: Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad hasn’t picked up a wicket yet in the tournament. She has maintained an economy rate of just above seven. This match could be her last chance to stay in the XI.
Renuka Singh: The last name is a must-have name in the XI. Renuka Singh is the frontline pacer for India. Her role in the opening overs and at the depth is valuable. She picked up a wicket in the last game and looked in good touch.
