India’s Batting Stars Face Pressure to Lift Women’s World Cup Campaign
India seeks runs from top-order batters to strengthen its World Cup campaign against South Africa.
India’s women’s cricket team faces a critical test against a resurgent South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Thursday at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, with the spotlight on their underperforming top-order batters. Despite holding a strong second place on the points table with two wins from two matches, India’s campaign has been overshadowed by the lacklustre form of key players Smriti Mandhana, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues. The trio’s struggles against Sri Lanka and Pakistan forced reliance on middle-order rescuers like Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma, a risky strategy against a formidable South African side.
India’s batting frailties were evident in their earlier games, slumping to 124 for six against Sri Lanka and 159 for five against Pakistan. Such precarious positions could prove costly against South Africa, who rebounded from a 10-wicket loss to England with a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand, powered by Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus. South Africa’s experienced bowling attack, featuring Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, and Marizanne Kapp, poses a significant threat. A loss could jeopardise India’s standings and complicate their upcoming clash with defending champions Australia on October 12.
On a positive note, India’s bowling unit has been a consistent strength. Deepti Sharma leads the tournament with six wickets, backed by spinners Sneh Rana and Sree Charani and pacer Kranti Gaud. However, the Visakhapatnam pitch may offer less assistance than the spin-friendly tracks in Guwahati and Colombo, demanding adaptability. The team also awaits updates on pace-bowling all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who missed the Pakistan match due to illness. If fit, she could replace Renuka Singh Thakur, adding depth to both batting and bowling.
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South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, is gaining momentum, with veterans Kapp, Anneke Bosch, and Chloe Tryon poised to challenge India’s fragile top order. India’s management remains optimistic, viewing their ability to win without major contributions from Mandhana, Kaur, and Rodrigues as a sign of squad depth. Yet, a substantial top-order performance is crucial to secure a commanding total and maintain India’s semifinal hopes in this high-stakes encounter.
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