ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India needs to pull up their game against England
The Hindu
A win against world number two England will take the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side effectively into the knock-out stage
After being put under pressure in their previous two games, India will have no room for error when they take on a formidable England in the Women's T20 World Cup in Gqeberha on Febraury 18, 2023.
A win against world number two England on February 18, 2023 will take the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side effectively into the knock-out stage, to be competed among top two teams from Group 1 and 2.
The Indians beat arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets before notching a more convincing six-wicket win against West Indies earlier this week.
While the twin wins put India in a strong position to qualify for the semifinals, it was hard-hitting teenager Richa Ghosh's brilliance which pulled the 'Women in Blue' over the line on both occasions.
Against England, the top-order will have to give a better account of themselves. U-19 World Cup-winning captain Shafali Verma has been unable to convert her starts in the tournament so far, giving away her wicket at crucial junctures.
Back after nursing a finger injury, Smriti Mandhana looked in imperious touch as she timed the ball to perfection but couldn't go the distance.