India vs Pakistan, Women’s T20 World Cup: Likely playing XIs, head-to-head record, Dubai weather and pitch report

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will aim to collect two full points when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A match of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai on Sunday (6 October). India are coming on the back of a 58-run defeat to New Zealand in their last game, and given the fact that they are in a group that comprises of Australia and Sri Lanka as well, the Women in Blue cannot afford to take this match lightly.

In fact, India need to win all three matches that remain in their group stage campaign in order to have any hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals. The top two from each of the two five-team groups qualify for the last-four stage, so India clearly have their task cut out.

India will look to be more clinical with their batting as well as their fielding. That’s what let them down against New Zealand and the Indian team will be extra careful not to make such mistakes against Pakistan. Renuka Singh (2/27), Asha Sobhana (1/22) and Arundhati Reddy (1/28) were excellent for India, but one would hope that spinner Deepti Sharma turns up after she endured figures of 0/45 against the White Ferns.

India will also hope that their batters fire on all cylinders. Especially their openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Madhana, both of whom had an off day against New Zealand.

Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh was unimpressive with her catching and fielding on Friday, and India could look at Yastika Bhatia and give her a go against Pakistan. Another change that India could make is bring in Radha Yadav in place of Deepti Sharma, although that seems unlikely.

As far as Pakistan are concerned, the Women in Green suffered a massive injury scare when pacer Diana Baig walked off the field during their match against Sri Lanka after bowling just one ball, seemingly having pulled a muscle. A final call on her availability will be taken before the match.

Predicted playing XIs

India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh/Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh

Pakistan: Fatma Sana (Captain), Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Gull Feroza, Nida Dar, Aliya Raaz, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah/Diana Baig, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu

India vs Pakistan head-to-head

India and Pakistan have played a total of 15 matches in women’s T20Is. India hold the upper hand with a 12-3 win-loss ratio against Pakistan. In their latest meeting that came at the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup in July, India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets.

Dubai pitch report

The pitch at the Dubai International Stadium is synonymous for being slow in nature, and with the old ball stopping, spinners will play a crucial role. Having said that, don’t expect this match to be a high-scoring affair. New Zealand did post 160 on the board courtesy a hard-fought knock from Sophie Devine (57), but the Indian batters found it hard to navigate on what was a tricky surface.

South Africa had restricted West Indies to 118/6 in their Women’s T20 World Cup contest in Dubai, before the Africans romped home with a 10-wicket win. India’s batters will need to settle themselves down and give themselves a chance to set the platform for a strong total of they bat first, or ensure that match pressure does not get the better of them if they bat second.

Dubai weather forecast

The good news for fans is that there is absolutely no chance of rain in Dubai during the match, which starts at 2 pm local time (3.30 pm IST). As per AccuWeather.com, the temperatures in Dubai are expected to hover between 33 degree Celsius and 36 degree Celsius. The evening will remain warm, with humidity expected between 41 per cent and 52 per cent.

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