India and New Zealand are set to face off in a crucial Women’s World Cup clash on Thursday, October 23, at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. A win would seal India’s place in the semifinals, eliminating both New Zealand and Sri Lanka from contention.
However, a loss could jeopardize India’s campaign, pushing them out of the top four and setting up a must-win clash against Bangladesh. Heading into this game, India face a selection dilemma — their recent decision to drop Jemimah Rodrigues and bolster the bowling attack has backfired.
Jemimah hasn’t enjoyed the World Cup she would have hoped for. Her dip in form saw her omitted against England — a game where India, chasing 289 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, could have used her batting depth. On Wednesday, she trained intensely in the nets, eager to reclaim her spot. If she returns, Amanjot Kaur is likely to make way. After her match-winning knock against Sri Lanka, Amanjot has struggled for form and was used mainly as a sixth bowling option against England.
India might also consider recalling Radha Yadav, who offers value both as a left-arm spinner and a useful lower-order batter.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have stuck with a consistent batting order that has underperformed apart from Sophie Devine. They’ve rotated their pace attack regularly, and left-arm seamer Bree Illing could come in for Rosemary Mair in this game.
Predicted XI for India vs New Zealand
India
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur/Jemimah Rodrigues, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
New Zealand
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson
– Ends
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