The Indian women’s cricket team appears to be in prime form as they gear up for the highly-anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE. With back-to-back victories in their warm-up matches, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad seems to be firing on all cylinders, aiming to become the first Indian team to clinch a senior World Cup title.
The Women in Blue commenced their warm-up campaign with a commanding win against South Africa, the finalists of the previous edition. The Indian team posted a competitive 144 runs and then went on to restrict South Africa to just 116/8, securing a 28-run victory. This performance showcased not only their batting prowess but also their formidable bowling attack, with nine Indian players contributing with the ball.
One of the key highlights of the warm-up matches was the emergence of Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma as vital cogs in the Indian batting lineup. Rodrigues demonstrated her consistency and resilience by scoring 52 and 30 in the two games, while Richa Ghosh, despite a faltering start, showed her mettle with scores of 7 and 36. Deepti Sharma played a crucial role in the finishing stages, scoring 35 off 29 balls in one of the matches, indicating her ability to be a reliable finisher.
The Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who batted at the No.3 position in both warm-up games, though unable to make significant scores, seemed to solidify the team’s batting order with her leadership and tactical acumen.
In the first warm-up game against South Africa, the Indian bowlers made life difficult for the Proteas batters right from the outset. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits managed to survive the powerplay, but their partnership was soon broken by Asha Sobhana. The Indian bowlers continued to chip away with regular wickets, ensuring that South Africa never got a foothold in the chase. Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen were the only players who offered some resistance, but their efforts fell short as they could only take South Africa to 116/8 in 20 overs.
. Asha Sobhana stood out among the bowlers with figures of 2/21 in her three overs, while Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma each took a wicket to complete a clinical bowling performance.
Meanwhile, in other warm-up action, England outplayed New Zealand, successfully chasing a modest target of 128. The English batting lineup, led by Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Danielle Gibson, displayed their credentials, ensuring a seamless victory.
Australia, the defending champions, also showed their tenacity by overcoming an early scare from the West Indies. Posting a target of 145, the Aussies found themselves under pressure as Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph provided the Windies with an excellent start. However, the match took a turn in the 10th over when Ellyse Perry dismissed Joseph. The subsequent collapse saw the Windies plummet, with none of the remaining batters managing to reach double digits. Ultimately, Australia held their nerve to win by 35 runs, emphasizing the depth and experience they possess in their squad.
Returning to the Indian camp, the team’s balanced performance across both games sends a positive signal as they head into the main tournament. The camaraderie and cohesion displayed by the side indicate a well-oiled unit, harmoniously blending experience with youthful exuberance. The tactical approaches employed by the team management during these warm-ups provide a glimpse into the strategic framework that Team India is likely to employ during the World Cup.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to begin on October 3, cricket enthusiasts and analysts are keenly watching the Indian team, whose recent performances have certainly bolstered their reputation as serious contenders. The momentum gained from these practice wins is expected to play a pivotal role in their campaign. With the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and an array of versatile bowlers, India looks well-prepared to make a substantial impact in the tournament and potentially bring home their very first senior World Cup title.
