Harmanpreet Kaur’s side seek crucial win to reach semis

A fragile India faces a must-win clash against New Zealand on Thursday in what has been billed as a virtual quarterfinal in the Women’s World Cup at DY Patil Stadium. A victory would see Harmanpreet Kaur’s side become the fourth team to secure a semifinal berth, while any slip-up could make their path to the last four depend on other results.

India have struggled under pressure throughout this World Cup, losing all three matches against the current semifinalists Australia, South Africa, and England often after strong starts. The most glaring setback came in Indore, where India failed to chase 56 from 54 balls despite having seven wickets in hand on a batter-friendly track. Harmanpreet described that loss as “heartbreak.”

The team’s challenges extend beyond selection and bowling options. Consistency has eluded both batters and bowlers, leaving India heavily reliant on Richa Ghosh’s big-hitting ability. Top-order batters, including in-form leaders Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana, have yet to finish games, while none of the bowlers have delivered regularly. The duo will need to lead from the front in this “now-or-never” encounter.

India’s combination strategy has seen Jemimah Rodrigues left out to accommodate an extra bowler, with swing specialist Renuka Thakur brought in. Pressure will also be on No. 3 Harleen Deol, who has struggled to convert promising starts into meaningful scores.

Training has been disrupted by unseasonal rain, with Tuesday’s session washed out, leaving only Wednesday for final preparations. The DY Patil pitch is traditionally batter-friendly, but dew in the second innings can challenge even the best bowling attacks, a factor India will need to consider if New Zealand bat second.

New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine and veteran Suzie Bates, will pose a stern test. Both are in strong form, and with two of their previous matches washed out in rain-hit Colombo, the White Ferns will be eager to make up for lost time. Devine, the third-highest run-scorer with 260 runs including a century and two fifties, has openly expressed her desire for more opportunities in World Cup events, adding motivation for this crucial match.

This encounter is especially significant for New Zealand, who have not been part of the Women’s Test circuit for over two decades, relying solely on white-ball cricket to showcase their skills. Their team will be looking to build on last year’s T20 World Cup triumph and prove their mettle in this high-stakes clash.

*Teams:

India:* Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Uma Chetry.

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Bella James, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

Match starts: 3pm IST.