The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 kicks off with a highly anticipated clash between defending champions India and Pakistan on July 19 in Dambulla. The Indian team, buoyed by recent strong performances, faces a challenging opponent in Pakistan, who have struggled to find consistent form.
Team News and Form
India enters the tournament with confidence following a competitive series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Key players like Smriti Mandhana have shown impressive form with the bat, while the bowling department has excelled. Pooja Vastrakar’s 8 wickets against South Africa and Radha Yadav’s contributions have bolstered the Indian attack. Additionally, India’s spin options, including Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, and Sajana, add depth to their squad.
On the other hand, Pakistan has had a mixed year, with only 7 wins from 19 matches. Despite a thrilling series victory against New Zealand, they struggled against Bangladesh, West Indies, and England. Under the leadership of Nida Dar, Pakistan has undergone several changes, aiming to turn their fortunes around.
Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana.
Pakistan: Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.
Head-to-Head Record
India and Pakistan have clashed 14 times in T20Is, with India emerging victorious in 11 of those encounters. In the Women’s Asia Cup specifically, India has won 5 out of 6 matches against Pakistan. The last meeting in the Asia Cup saw Pakistan securing a rare win over India.
Pitch Conditions
The pitch at Dambulla is typically flat but offers some assistance to spinners, particularly under lights. Pacers may need to rely on variations and cutters to be effective. Teams should prepare for a pitch that could favor spin in the latter stages of the game.
Predicted Playing XI
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur, Asha Shobana, Arundhati Reddy
Pakistan: Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar (c), Najiha Alvi, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu
