Picture Credit: ICC/Getty Images
India and South Africa will add a new dimension to their rivalry when they meet in a decisive Group 1 clash at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday.
Despite competing in every edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, the two teams have never previously met in the tournament.
The timing of the match increases its importance, with Group 1 closely contested after the initial rounds.
India has made an impressive start under captain Harmanpreet Kaur, winning both of their opening matches comfortably and establishing themselves as strong semi-final contenders.
South Africa, after suffering a defeat against Australia, bounced back with a hard-fought win over Pakistan to stay in contention for qualification.
Smriti Mandhana has been in excellent form for India, scoring consecutive half-centuries and providing strong starts at the top of the order.
South Africa will rely heavily on captain Laura Wolvaardt, who will aim to rediscover her best form after accumulating 330 runs in five innings during the recent home series against India.
India’s bowling unit has complemented its batting strength, with spinners Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani sharing nine wickets across the first two matches and maintaining pressure in the middle overs.
South Africa will depend on all-round contributions to counter India’s spin attack.
Annerie Dercksen’s composed half-century against Pakistan highlighted the team’s growing depth and ability to handle spin bowling.
India holds a slight overall advantage in T20 internationals, while South Africa has performed strongly in recent encounters, winning nine of the last 15 completed matches between the sides.
When: Sunday, June 21, 7:00 PM IST
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
Where to watch: Star Sports Network (TV), JioHotstar (live streaming)
Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia, Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.
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