Women's T20 World Cup: India open campaign against New Zealand
What's the story
India Women lock horns with New Zealand Women on October 4, in what will be the tournament opener for both teams.
This will be the fourth game of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The match is set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India, under Harmanpreet Kaur, are expected to shine.
Here we present the preview and stats.
Stats
Streaming option, live broadcast, and pitch report
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on Disney+ Hotstar.
The match will start at 7:30pm IST.
The pitch at Dubai International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced contest for both batters and bowlers.
Fast bowlers will benefit from the new ball, while batters are likely to find conditions easier as the match progresses.
Players
Key players to watch out for
Smriti Mandhana is closing in on 3,500 T20I runs. She has 3,493 runs at 28.86.
With 3,426 runs under her belt, Harmanpreet can join the 3,500-run club as well.
For New Zealand, Suzie Bates holds key. She is the top run-scorer in T20 World Cup history. She owns 1,066 runs at 32.30.
Sophie Devine is NZ's top wicket-taker in T20 WC history (29).
Squads
A look at the probable XI of both teams
India women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(wk), Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh.
New Zealand women: Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Rosemary Mair.
Information
A look at the H2H record between the two sides
As per ESPNcricinfo, in 13 matches between the two teams, India have beaten NZ on four occasions (9 defeats). Meanwhile, in the Women's T20 World Cup, the two teams have faced four times with two wins apiece.
Preview
India would be hoping to start well
The conditions in UAE will suit India and their offerings. India have a solid spin unit to master the sluggish conditions that are expected to greet the teams.
Deepti Sharma, India's prime all-round force, could be the match-winner.
With NZ Women not enjoying a sound form of late, India would be aiming to start strongly.
Mandhana and Shafali Verma are key prospects atop.