ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India vs England preview
The Indian Women's cricket team will lock horns with England in the first semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Having won four consecutive games so far, India ended the group stage as table-toppers. England finished at number two in Group B. They defeated Thailand, Pakistan and West Indies respectively after losing to South Africa in the opener. Here's the match preview.
Ground, Pitch report, timing and TV listing
The match will be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. This venue in Sydney is well known for assisting spinners. The conditions at this venue are usually favourable for the batswomen. Hence, a high scoring game is expected. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Hotstar. The game will start at 9:30 AM IST.
India will be banking on Shafali Verma and Poonam Yadav
Shafali Verma will once again be pairing up with her compatriot Smriti Mandhana in a bid to give India a blistering start. The former is India's leading run-scorer in the tournament, having scored 161 runs from four innings at 40.25. Besides, the bowling segment is bolstered by the tournament's leading wicket-taker Poonam Yadav who has claimed nine scalps so far, including a four-for.
Heather Knight has been in sublime touch for England
England skipper Heather Knight has been leading from the front right throughout the World Cup. Following a crushing defeat to South Africa, England were tottering at 7/2 against Thailand when she took over. She scored an unbeaten century (108 off 66) which laid the foundation of England's 98-run victory. Natalie Sciver is also expected to showcase her all-round display.
Head-to-head in World Cup T20
Notably, India have lost all the five games against England in the Women's World Cup history. Overall, the two teams have faced each other 19 times in the shortest format so far. England have won 15 and lost four.
Dream11: Heather Knight and Shafali Verma get leadership nod
Wicket-keeper: Taniya Bhatia. Batswomen: Heather Knight, Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Danielle Wyatt. All-rounders: Natalie Sciver, Katherine Brunt. Bowlers: Poonam Yadav, Sophie Ecclestone, Radha Yadav, Mady Villiers. Captain: Heather Knight (202 runs in 4 innings) Vice-captain: Shafali Verma (161 runs in 4 innings)
