India have started their campaign with a high note. They have played two games only and registered convincing win as well. With this win, they have become inch close to reaching the semi-finals. After defeating the hosts Australia by 17 runs, they thrashed Bangladesh by 18 runs.
Shafali Verma, the young sensation, has provided flying starts at the top of the order. Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma are also in good form. Going into their crucial game against New Zealand in Melbourne, the Indian team will be happy that they are winning without their two most experienced duo of Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. While Mandhana missed the last game due to viral, Kaur has been going through a rough patch.
However, there is a bit of concern with the poor form of Harmanpreet Kaur. She hasn’t scored a fifty-plus score in T20Is since her blitzy century against New Zealand in the World T20 in 2018. On the other hand, India’s bowling has been in the news which is spearheaded by the spinners again. Poonam Yadav, the legspinner, who is also known for her googly, has seven wickets to her name already. Rajeshwari Gayakwad, the left-arm spinner, has also done well so far.
Read here: ICC T20 World Cup 2020: India vs New Zealand Dream 11 Prediction
Shikha Pandey, the veteran pace-spearhead, has also impressed with acute bowling in the slog overs. The way she dismissed Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed speaks her present form. Smriti Mandhana who missed the game against Bangladesh due to viral is expected to join the team in Melbourne.
On the other hand, Sophie Devine continued her formidable form with a blitzy 55-ball unbeaten 75 against Sri Lanka. The New Zealand all-rounder has scored the 50-run mark in all her last six T20I innings. Devine and Suzie Bates have to maintain their great run here too. The experienced Katey Martin Rachel Priest are the other key players of the batting order for New Zealand.
On the bowling side, Lea Tahuhu, the pace-spearhead, is back in the mix and expected to trouble the opponent. Amelia Kerr, the legspinner, and Hayley Jansen, the left-armer, are also among the wickets. The experienced seamer Holly Huddleston could come in place for Jess Kerr. Rosemary Mair is the other option available for that place as well.
Since the game will take place at Junction Oval, Melbourne, a high-scoring game can be expected.
Squads
India
Taniya Bhatia (WK), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Arundhati Reddy, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Smriti Mandhana, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Harleen Deol
New Zealand
Sophie Devine (C), Rachel Priest (WK), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Holly Huddleston, Anna Peterson, Lauren Down, Rosemary Mair
