India’s Ladies’s World Cup marketing campaign has been regular, however removed from hovering. Two wins from 4 video games have saved Harmanpreet Kaur and her aspect afloat — but, because the match hurtles in direction of its enterprise finish, regular will not suffice. With Australia and South Africa already sealing their semi-final spots, India now discover themselves in a difficult territory, the place each misstep may spell hassle.
Again-to-back defeats in opposition to South Africa and Australia have uncovered acquainted frailties, leaving the group looking for rhythm and perception. Their subsequent hurdle, nonetheless, isn’t any much less daunting. On Tremendous Sunday, India sq. off in opposition to four-time champions England on the Holkar Stadium in Indore — a conflict that might very nicely outline their marketing campaign.
For England, the equation is easy: a win ensures secure passage to the semi-finals and tightens the race for the ultimate spot. For India, it is about reigniting their spark, rediscovering the fearless model of cricket that when made them formidable contenders. The stakes could not be larger, the margins could not be slimmer — and the time for India to actually arrive on this World Cup is now.
Big spin menace
India’s struggles in opposition to spin — notably left-arm spin. — have develop into an open secret. From Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera to Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu and South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba, the development has been worryingly constant: India’s batters have needed to grind for each run. And as they put together to face England, the problem is simply set to accentuate.
On the coronary heart of England’s spin arsenal is Sophie Ecclestone — the world’s top-ranked bowler — who has been working in a special league altogether. With 9 wickets at a scarcely plausible financial system fee of two.30, she’s been each ruthless and relentless, squeezing batters into submission along with her management and guile.
Backing her up is Lauren Smith, whose match-winning spell in opposition to South Africa has reignited her confidence. Charlie Dean, too, has been among the many wickets, her helpful lower-order batting including one other layer of depth to England’s aspect. After which there’s Alice Capsey — tidy, disciplined, and exact with an financial system fee of three.53 — who continues to play her function to perfection.
If that spin trio is not sufficient, there’s nonetheless Sarah Glenn ready within the wings, able to pounce if referred to as upon. For India’s batters, meaning there will probably be little room to breathe and even much less to err — a take a look at not simply of ability, however of temperament in opposition to probably the most full spin items within the match.
Will Renuka return?
In opposition to Australia, India’s tempo assault was laid naked. Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, and Ash Gardner took them aside, exposing the shortage of penetration and consistency with the brand new ball. And as England loom massive — armed with a strong lineup that now contains the returning Heather Knight — India face one other stern take a look at of ability and technique.
The curious case of Renuka Singh’s absence stays one of many greatest speaking factors of India’s marketing campaign. The swing bowler, who has constructed her status on early breakthroughs and motion off the seam, has featured in just one match to date — a call that continues to puzzle many. Leaving her out once more in opposition to England can be a tough name to justify, particularly given India’s determined want for expertise and management within the powerplay.
Kranti Goud, in the meantime, ought to preserve her place after her six-wicket heroics earlier this 12 months in Chester-le-Road — coincidentally, in opposition to the identical opposition. England have proven vulnerability in opposition to high quality swing bowling on this match, and that could possibly be India’s opening. Dropping a spinner and even sacrificing Amanjot Kaur’s spot could be well worth the gamble if it means bringing Renuka again into the fold.
As a result of in the case of the essential conflict, India will want greater than plans and hope — they may want their greatest weapons on the sector. And Renuka Singh, undoubtedly, is considered one of them.
England seeking to be extra medical
England could be unbeaten within the match, however their marketing campaign hasn’t been with out alarms. Beneath the gloss of victory lie a number of nervous escapes — and people may come again to hang-out them if they do not tighten up. In opposition to Bangladesh, they have been pushed to the brink chasing simply 179, and if not for Heather Knight’s composure underneath stressthe outcome may simply have swung the opposite approach.
In opposition to Sri Lanka, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt who held the innings collectively as the remainder faltered. Their most precarious second, nonetheless, got here in opposition to Pakistan. Diminished to 78 for seven, England have been gazing a uncommon defeat earlier than rain got here to their rescue. With Pakistan needing simply 78 runs off 24.2 overs, that washout felt extra like an escape than a reprieve.
As they head into the conflict in opposition to India, England will know that one other lapse may show pricey. Historical past is on their aspect — they boast a superior report over India in World Cups — however present kind suggests there’s little room for complacency.
For India, it is about survival and revival; for England, it is about defending their unbeaten run and sealing a semi-final berth. Come Sunday in Indore, each groups will stroll out with every thing to play for — and nothing to take with no consideration.
India Ladies vs England Ladies: Head to Head
General
Matches – 79, India – 36, England – 41, No End result – 2
In India
Matches – 31, India – 21, England – 10, No End result – 0
In Ladies’s World Cup
Matches – 12, India – 4, England – 8, No End result – 0
India Ladies vs England Ladies: Pitch Report
The pitch on the Holkar Stadium in Indore has been an honest one for batting with the common rating being round 280 within the ongoing World Cup. Groups ought to decide to area first after profitable the toss.
India Ladies vs England Ladies: Match Particulars
India and England will play on the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The match will begin at 3 pm IST.
India Ladies vs England Ladies: Livestreaming
The match will probably be livestreamed on the JioHotstar app. The matches may also be broadcast on Star Sports activities Community.
India Ladies vs England Ladies: Possible Taking part in XIs
India Ladies Possible Taking part in XI
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur/Renuka Singh, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
England Ladies Possible Taking part in XI
Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Em Arlott/Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith
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