India women's cricket team started their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a thumping eight-wicket win over hosts Japan on Friday (Sep 18) in the quarter-final in Nagoya. The Asia Cup champs made light work of the 58-run target and raced to it with one over left in the powerplay itself. Shafali Verma, Player of the Series (POTS) of the recently concluded Women's Asia Cup 2026, scored an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls as India won with 90 balls remaining. The defending gold medalists now face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Sunday (Sep 20).<h2>India-W thrash Japan-W in Asian Games 2026 quarter-final</h2>Batting first, Japan went through the powerplay of the first six overs without losing a wicket but scoring only 24 runs. Shree Charani broke the opening partnership by dismissing Haruna Iwasaki (10) and then removed skipper Mai Yanagida (0) on the very next ball for a golden duck. Things started going downhill pretty fast for Japan from thereon.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-from-transport-to-accomodation-athletes-face-multiple-issues-at-aichi-nayoga-1789714040001">Asian Games 2026: From transport to accommodation- Athletes face multiple issues at Aichi-Nagoya</a>Erika Oda (5) was the next wicket to fall, taken by Shafali Verma, before Shree Charani dismissed the other opener Ayaka Kano-Stafford (25). Shafali then dismissed Shimako Kato for her second wicket, and Japan was 51/5 from being 24/0. The hosts lost their next five wickets for seven runs, with Shree Charani taking another wicket to return bowling figures of 4/10 in four overs with two maidens. Apart from her, Shafali took 2/13, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil picked up one wicket each.<h2>Shafali lights up India chase</h2>Chasing the below-par target, Shafali hit 17 runs in the opening over, taking care of more than one-fourth of the target in the first six balls. Her new opening partner Kamalini Gnanavel, however, could not make use of the opportunity and was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Bharti Fulmali also failed to grab her chance and was dismissed for 6 (7 balls) as India fell to 24/2 from 17/0. Shafali then took charge with Richa Ghosh (unbeaten 12 runs off 6 balls) as India romped home at the completion of the five-over mark.

India women's cricket team thrashed Japan by eight wickets in the Asian Games 2026 quarter-final. Shafali Verma's unbeaten 40 off 15 balls chased down 58 easily to setup a semi-final against Bangladesh.

India women's cricket team started their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a thumping eight-wicket win over hosts Japan on Friday (Sep 18) in the quarter-final in Nagoya. The Asia Cup champs made light work of the 58-run target and raced to it with one over left in the powerplay itself. Shafali Verma, Player of the Series (POTS) of the recently concluded Women's Asia Cup 2026, scored an unbeaten 40 off just 15 balls as India won with 90 balls remaining. The defending gold medalists now face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Sunday (Sep 20). India-W thrash Japan-W in Asian Games 2026 quarter-final Batting first, Japan went through the powerplay of the first six overs without losing a wicket but scoring only 24 runs. Shree Charani broke the opening partnership by dismissing Haruna Iwasaki (10) and then removed skipper Mai Yanagida (0) on the very next ball for a golden duck. Things started going downhill pretty fast for Japan from thereon. Also Read - Asian Games 2026: From transport to accommodation- Athletes face multiple issues at Aichi-Nagoya Erika Oda (5) was the next wicket to fall, taken by Shafali Verma, before Shree Charani dismissed the other opener Ayaka Kano-Stafford (25). Shafali then dismissed Shimako Kato for her second wicket, and Japan was 51/5 from being 24/0. The hosts lost their next five wickets for seven runs, with Shree Charani taking another wicket to return bowling figures of 4/10 in four overs with two maidens. Apart from her, Shafali took 2/13, while Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil picked up one wicket each. Shafali lights up India chase Chasing the below-par target, Shafali hit 17 runs in the opening over, taking care of more than one-fourth of the target in the first six balls. Her new opening partner Kamalini Gnanavel, however, could not make use of the opportunity and was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Bharti Fulmali also failed to grab her chance and was dismissed for 6 (7 balls) as India fell to 24/2 from 17/0. Shafali then took charge with Richa Ghosh (unbeaten 12 runs off 6 balls) as India romped home at the completion of the five-over mark.

India women's cricket team thrashed Japan by eight wickets in the Asian Games 2026 quarter-final. Shafali Verma's unbeaten 40 off 15 balls chased down 58 easily to setup a semi-final against Bangladesh.

Asian Games 2026: Shafali stars as India thump Japan by 8 wickets to book semis berth

A brilliant half-century from Shafali Verma and impressive bowling performances from Radha Yadav and Shree Charani helped India secure a crucial five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group A clash in Manchester on Thursday (June 25). The win lifted India to second place in Group A with three victories and one defeat, taking their tally to six points. Australia remain at the top of the standings after winning all four of their matches. India still have one group-stage game remaining against Australia and are yet to officially confirm their semifinal berth, with South Africa also firmly in contention after winning two of their three matches.&nbsp;After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat and posted 136/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Juairiya Ferdous scored 33 off 31 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Sobhana Mostary contributed 22 from 26 balls with two fours. The pair added a valuable half-century partnership for the second wicket. Captain Nigar Sultana then chipped in with 32 runs from 27 balls, striking four boundaries to help Bangladesh reach a competitive total.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-has-formula-one-declared-a-heat-hazard-for-the-austrian-grand-prix-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1782404138828">Why has Formula One declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix? Here's all you need to know</a>&nbsp;India’s bowling attack was led by Radha Yadav, who claimed 3/28, while Shree Charani picked up 2/21. Renuka Thakur and Nandani Sharma also contributed with a wicket each. Chasing 137, India suffered an early setback when Smriti Mandhana departed for eight. However, Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia steadied the innings with a 45-run stand for the second wicket. Shafali played an attacking knock of 53 from 34 balls, smashing eight fours and a six, while Yastika added 23 from 18 deliveries.&nbsp;India briefly stumbled from 76/2 to 98/4, but Jemimah Rodrigues counterattacked with 26 off just 15 balls, including three fours and a six. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 13, while Deepti Sharma finished on 5 not out as India reached the target with 19 balls to spare. The match also saw Shree Charani create history. The Indian spinner surpassed Poonam Yadav to register the most wickets by an Indian bowler in a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup edition.&nbsp;Charani, who recently became the world’s number one T20I bowler, achieved the milestone after dismissing Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter during her spell. The left-arm spinner now has 12 wickets from four matches in the tournament at an outstanding average of 7.08 and an economy rate of 5.31, with best figures of 4/19. She currently leads the tournament’s wicket-taking charts. The previous Indian record belonged to Poonam Yadav, who took 10 wickets in five matches during the 2019/20 edition at an average of 11.90 and an economy rate of 5.95, with best figures of 4/19.&nbsp;The overall record for most wickets in a single Women’s T20 World Cup remains with New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who claimed 15 wickets in six matches during the 2024/25 tournament at an average of 7.33 and an economy rate of 4.85, with best figures of 4/26. India will now turn their focus to a crucial clash against Australia as they aim to secure a place in the semifinals.

India defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as Shafali Verma starred with a fifty and Shree Charani broke India’s wicket record, keeping semifinal hopes alive

A brilliant half-century from Shafali Verma and impressive bowling performances from Radha Yadav and Shree Charani helped India secure a crucial five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group A clash in Manchester on Thursday (June 25). The win lifted India to second place in Group A with three victories and one defeat, taking their tally to six points. Australia remain at the top of the standings after winning all four of their matches. India still have one group-stage game remaining against Australia and are yet to officially confirm their semifinal berth, with South Africa also firmly in contention after winning two of their three matches. After winning the toss, Bangladesh elected to bat and posted 136/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Juairiya Ferdous scored 33 off 31 deliveries, including five boundaries, while Sobhana Mostary contributed 22 from 26 balls with two fours. The pair added a valuable half-century partnership for the second wicket. Captain Nigar Sultana then chipped in with 32 runs from 27 balls, striking four boundaries to help Bangladesh reach a competitive total. Also Read: Why has Formula One declared a heat hazard for the Austrian Grand Prix? Here's all you need to know India’s bowling attack was led by Radha Yadav, who claimed 3/28, while Shree Charani picked up 2/21. Renuka Thakur and Nandani Sharma also contributed with a wicket each. Chasing 137, India suffered an early setback when Smriti Mandhana departed for eight. However, Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia steadied the innings with a 45-run stand for the second wicket. Shafali played an attacking knock of 53 from 34 balls, smashing eight fours and a six, while Yastika added 23 from 18 deliveries. India briefly stumbled from 76/2 to 98/4, but Jemimah Rodrigues counterattacked with 26 off just 15 balls, including three fours and a six. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 13, while Deepti Sharma finished on 5 not out as India reached the target with 19 balls to spare. The match also saw Shree Charani create history. The Indian spinner surpassed Poonam Yadav to register the most wickets by an Indian bowler in a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup edition. Charani, who recently became the world’s number one T20I bowler, achieved the milestone after dismissing Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter during her spell. The left-arm spinner now has 12 wickets from four matches in the tournament at an outstanding average of 7.08 and an economy rate of 5.31, with best figures of 4/19. She currently leads the tournament’s wicket-taking charts. The previous Indian record belonged to Poonam Yadav, who took 10 wickets in five matches during the 2019/20 edition at an average of 11.90 and an economy rate of 5.95, with best figures of 4/19. The overall record for most wickets in a single Women’s T20 World Cup remains with New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who claimed 15 wickets in six matches during the 2024/25 tournament at an average of 7.33 and an economy rate of 4.85, with best figures of 4/26. India will now turn their focus to a crucial clash against Australia as they aim to secure a place in the semifinals.

Shafali Verma’s fifty and Shree Charani’s record-breaking spell powered India to a five-wicket win over Bangladesh, boosting semifinal hopes

India stay alive in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semis race with five-wicket win over Bangladesh

India women extended their dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka women with another commanding win on Sunday (Dec 28). Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were the star performers for India as both scored respective fifties before missing out on a ton.<h2>India extend dominance</h2>Continuing from India's impressive batting, Sri Lanka were tasked with chasing 222 runs to win the match. They stayed in contention with a positive start as Hasini Perera (33) and Chamari Athapaththu (52) put together 59 runs for the opening wicket before the former was dismissed. Imesha Dulani (29) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (20) also contributed to the chase, but the visitors did not have enough to give India any headache before they were restricted to 191/6 in 20 overs.&nbsp;Arundhati Reddy and Vaishnavi Sharma both ended with two wickets each, while Shree Charani had one scalp.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Shafali, Smriti run riot</h2>Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side.&nbsp;The two teams will now meet in the final T20I on Tuesday, bringing down the curtains on 2025 at the same venue.

Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. 

India women extended their dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka women with another commanding win on Sunday (Dec 28). Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were the star performers for India as both scored respective fifties before missing out on a ton. India extend dominance Continuing from India's impressive batting, Sri Lanka were tasked with chasing 222 runs to win the match. They stayed in contention with a positive start as Hasini Perera (33) and Chamari Athapaththu (52) put together 59 runs for the opening wicket before the former was dismissed. Imesha Dulani (29) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (20) also contributed to the chase, but the visitors did not have enough to give India any headache before they were restricted to 191/6 in 20 overs. Arundhati Reddy and Vaishnavi Sharma both ended with two wickets each, while Shree Charani had one scalp. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Shafali, Smriti run riot Making her 150th T20I appearance, Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. A decision that backfired for the visitors as the Indian opening pair put a stand of 162 runs for the opening wicket, Shafali Verma scoring 79 off 46, which included 12 fours and a six. On the other hand, Smriti was also in great nick of form as she scored 80 off 48 for the Women in Blue. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Later, Richa Ghosh (40 off 16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (16 off 10) helped India reach 200 in what was another run feast for the home side. The two teams will now meet in the final T20I on Tuesday, bringing down the curtains on 2025 at the same venue.

Playing at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated Sri Lanka by 30 runs to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.&nbsp;

IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti, Shafali impress as India extend dominance with win in Trivandrum, lead series 4-0

Team India is all set for a crunch semifinal clash against Australia as the two meet at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday (Oct 30). Ahead of the key clash, Indian batter Shafali Varma has reflected on her entry into the team despite not being in the initial squad. Shafali came in as a late replacement in the Indian squad for the knockout stage, with Pratika Rawal dropping out due to injury.<h2>Shafali reflects on World Cup semis</h2>"Of course, what happened with Pratika – as a sportsperson, seeing that doesn't feel good. No one wants any player to go through such an injury. But I believe God has sent me here to do something good," Shafali told the press in Navi Mumbai on the eve of India's semi-final against Australia.&nbsp;"My father, my family - everyone was very happy. I'm also really happy to be back with the team. It's a very good opportunity for me, and if I get to play, I'll give my best," she added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;With Pratika out due to an ankle injury, Shafali has been roped in as a late replacement and is likely to get a nod in the Playing XI on Thursday. She last represented India in the T20I series against England in July. In fact, her last ODI match for India came in October 2024 and has been down the pecking order since the promotion of Pratika as an opener.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;However, now she will have the opportunity to impress for India in the semifinal as the Women in Blue go for their first title. A win for India on Thursday against record champions Australia will see them move within one step of winning the World Cup, where they will face South Africa.

With Pratika Rawal out due to an ankle injury, Shafali Varma has been roped in as a late replacement and is likely to get a nod in the Playing XI on Thursday.

Team India is all set for a crunch semifinal clash against Australia as the two meet at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday (Oct 30). Ahead of the key clash, Indian batter Shafali Varma has reflected on her entry into the team despite not being in the initial squad. Shafali came in as a late replacement in the Indian squad for the knockout stage, with Pratika Rawal dropping out due to injury. Shafali reflects on World Cup semis "Of course, what happened with Pratika – as a sportsperson, seeing that doesn't feel good. No one wants any player to go through such an injury. But I believe God has sent me here to do something good," Shafali told the press in Navi Mumbai on the eve of India's semi-final against Australia. "My father, my family - everyone was very happy. I'm also really happy to be back with the team. It's a very good opportunity for me, and if I get to play, I'll give my best," she added. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more With Pratika out due to an ankle injury, Shafali has been roped in as a late replacement and is likely to get a nod in the Playing XI on Thursday. She last represented India in the T20I series against England in July. In fact, her last ODI match for India came in October 2024 and has been down the pecking order since the promotion of Pratika as an opener. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history However, now she will have the opportunity to impress for India in the semifinal as the Women in Blue go for their first title. A win for India on Thursday against record champions Australia will see them move within one step of winning the World Cup, where they will face South Africa.

With Pratika Rawal out due to an ankle injury, Shafali Varma has been roped in as a late replacement and is likely to get a nod in the Playing XI on Thursday.

Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Shafali Varma full of confidence for semis, says 'I believe god has sent me here'

A blistering start by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shafali-verma">Shafali Varma</a> and composed knocks by Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce helped Delhi Capitals secure a two-wicket win against Mumbai Indians in an edge-of-the-seat thriller during the ongoing Women's Premier League (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wpl">WPL</a>) at Vadodara on Saturday (Feb 15).<o:p></o:p>
Former Indian Women's captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mithali-raj">Mithali Raj</a> shared her insights on the thrilling match between Mumbai and Delhi in an interview with the digital broadcasters.
&ldquo;What a game we witnessed today! The intensity was remarkable. Last night, we saw a high-scoring chase of 201 with big hits, but today was all about nerve and momentum. The game kept swinging between the teams, and until the final ball, the winner was anyone's guess,&rdquo; Mithali remarked.
Reflecting on Niki Prasad&rsquo;s performance, Mithali emphasised the young cricketer's significant contribution. &ldquo;Delhi Capitals' victory was largely driven by Shafali Verma's explosive start, but Niki Prasad's crucial 35-run innings was equally pivotal. When wickets were tumbling, she held her ground, offering much-needed stability. Playing her first match after leading India to victory in the ICC Women&rsquo;s U-19 World Cup, she showed remarkable poise under pressure. There must have been nerves, but she battled through brilliantly. Her maturity stood out today. With solid support from Alice Capsey and Sarah Bryce, she anchored the innings. Though she fell short with two runs needed off two balls, her contribution was massive for Delhi Capitals.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2025-dc-w-vs-mi-w-debutants-highlight-delhi-capitals-win-over-mumbai-indians-8724954">WPL 2025, DC-W vs MI-W: Debutants highlight Delhi Capitals&rsquo; win over Mumbai Indians</a> 
Speaking about Shafali Verma, Mithali praised her fearless approach. &ldquo;Shafali never plays defensively. From the second ball, she was scoring freely, playing her shots with signature flair. The only way to stop her today was to outthink her, and I've been in that position myself. As the fielding side adjusted, bringing mid-on up and pushing deep square leg back, Shafali instinctively aimed to clear mid-on but ended up getting caught. That was a key moment in the match.&rdquo;
<h2>'It was a joy to watch Niki play'&nbsp;</h2>
Former West Indian cricketer Stacy-Ann King also lauded Niki Prasad&rsquo;s innings, saying, &ldquo;We knew her potential from the India U-19 team, though she didn&rsquo;t get many opportunities to bat with G Trisha and Kamalini in form. After a slightly shaky start, she found her rhythm and played her shots beautifully. It was a joy to watch.&rdquo;
Analysing Mumbai Indians' performance, King highlighted a crucial lapse. &ldquo;Harmanpreet mentioned that not batting the full 20 overs cost Mumbai. Even a single run in that phase could have changed the result. This is a learning opportunity for them to reassess their approach, especially against spinners. Hayley Matthews took key wickets, including Shafali and Sarah, but conceded 15 runs before that. Both teams can learn a lot from each other about pacing their innings and fine-tuning their bowling strategies.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Debutants Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce kept their cool as Delhi Capitals beat star-studded Mumbai Indians in their WPL 2025 campaign opener

A blistering start by Shafali Varma and composed knocks by Niki Prasad and Sarah Bryce helped Delhi Capitals secure a two-wicket win against Mumbai Indians in an edge-of-the-seat thriller during the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) at Vadodara on Saturday (Feb 15). Former Indian Women's captain Mithali Raj shared her insights on the thrilling match between Mumbai and Delhi in an interview with the digital broadcasters. “What a game we witnessed today! The intensity was remarkable. Last night, we saw a high-scoring chase of 201 with big hits, but today was all about nerve and momentum. The game kept swinging between the teams, and until the final ball, the winner was anyone's guess,” Mithali remarked. Reflecting on Niki Prasad’s performance, Mithali emphasised the young cricketer's significant contribution. “Delhi Capitals' victory was largely driven by Shafali Verma's explosive start, but Niki Prasad's crucial 35-run innings was equally pivotal. When wickets were tumbling, she held her ground, offering much-needed stability. Playing her first match after leading India to victory in the ICC Women’s U-19 World Cup, she showed remarkable poise under pressure. There must have been nerves, but she battled through brilliantly. Her maturity stood out today. With solid support from Alice Capsey and Sarah Bryce, she anchored the innings. Though she fell short with two runs needed off two balls, her contribution was massive for Delhi Capitals.” Also Read: WPL 2025, DC-W vs MI-W: Debutants highlight Delhi Capitals’ win over Mumbai Indians Speaking about Shafali Verma, Mithali praised her fearless approach. “Shafali never plays defensively. From the second ball, she was scoring freely, playing her shots with signature flair. The only way to stop her today was to outthink her, and I've been in that position myself. As the fielding side adjusted, bringing mid-on up and pushing deep square leg back, Shafali instinctively aimed to clear mid-on but ended up getting caught. That was a key moment in the match.” 'It was a joy to watch Niki play' Former West Indian cricketer Stacy-Ann King also lauded Niki Prasad’s innings, saying, “We knew her potential from the India U-19 team, though she didn’t get many opportunities to bat with G Trisha and Kamalini in form. After a slightly shaky start, she found her rhythm and played her shots beautifully. It was a joy to watch.” Analysing Mumbai Indians' performance, King highlighted a crucial lapse. “Harmanpreet mentioned that not batting the full 20 overs cost Mumbai. Even a single run in that phase could have changed the result. This is a learning opportunity for them to reassess their approach, especially against spinners. Hayley Matthews took key wickets, including Shafali and Sarah, but conceded 15 runs before that. Both teams can learn a lot from each other about pacing their innings and fine-tuning their bowling strategies.” (With inputs from agencies)

WPL 2025, DC-W vs MI-W: 'Capitals' win was fueled by Shafali and Niki's heroics', says  Mithali Raj

The time has come for India to take centre stage in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE. As India readies to open their campaign against New Zealand in their tournament opener on Friday (October 6) in the second game of the doubleheader in Dubai, we look at the match preview and result prediction of the marquee T20 WC clash.

<h2>Match Preview</h2>

The Indian women’s cricket team has come close to realizing their dream of lifting the T20 World Cup earlier but failed in their efforts. To ignite the willingness to chase history, the already upbeat Indian squad needs to begin the tournament on a high, and what better than beating New Zealand in their opener?

Though they will have their challenges lined up, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will depend on their batting and bowling openers, respectively, to get the job done, or at least half of it, by beginning well.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20-world-cup-2024-hosts-bangladesh-beat-scotland-in-opener-764222">Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Hosts Bangladesh beat Scotland in opener</a>

Outside of the clear picks in the players to watch out for in star openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues will hog all the limelight. Considering the star-studded batting line-up that would include keeper-batter Richa Gosh, India has a stronger chance of pacing innings anytime in the game.

Much like their batting attack, the Indian women’s team bowling line-up is as lethal. With seasoned campaigners Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh alongside star bowler Radha Yadav, India can challenge any batting side in this tournament.&nbsp;

Though New Zealand’s past five results have all resulted in losses, while India has won four of the past five contested matches, the White Ferns still cannot be discounted for what they bring to the table. In the likes of Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas, the New Zealand women's team has some top players lined up in the XI.

<h3>Result Prediction –</h3>

The Indian women’s team will enter the contest as hot favourites.&nbsp;

Predicted Playing XIs –

India Women - Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(wk), Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav and 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 and Rosemary Mair

The time has come for India to take centre stage in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE. As India readies to open their campaign against New Zealand in their tournament opener on Friday (October 6) in the second game of the doubleheader in Dubai, we look at the match preview and result prediction of the marquee T20 WC clash.

The time has come for India to take centre stage in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE. As India readies to open their campaign against New Zealand in their tournament opener on Friday (October 6) in the second game of the doubleheader in Dubai, we look at the match preview and result prediction of the marquee T20 WC clash. Match Preview The Indian women’s cricket team has come close to realizing their dream of lifting the T20 World Cup earlier but failed in their efforts. To ignite the willingness to chase history, the already upbeat Indian squad needs to begin the tournament on a high, and what better than beating New Zealand in their opener? Though they will have their challenges lined up, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will depend on their batting and bowling openers, respectively, to get the job done, or at least half of it, by beginning well. ALSO READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Hosts Bangladesh beat Scotland in opener Outside of the clear picks in the players to watch out for in star openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma, Jemimah Rodrigues will hog all the limelight. Considering the star-studded batting line-up that would include keeper-batter Richa Gosh, India has a stronger chance of pacing innings anytime in the game. Much like their batting attack, the Indian women’s team bowling line-up is as lethal. With seasoned campaigners Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh alongside star bowler Radha Yadav, India can challenge any batting side in this tournament. Though New Zealand’s past five results have all resulted in losses, while India has won four of the past five contested matches, the White Ferns still cannot be discounted for what they bring to the table. In the likes of Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas, the New Zealand women's team has some top players lined up in the XI. Result Prediction – The Indian women’s team will enter the contest as hot favourites. Predicted Playing XIs – India Women - Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(wk), Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav and 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 and Rosemary Mair

Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India vs New Zealand – Match Preview and result prediction

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Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India vs New Zealand – Match Preview and result prediction