Women’s T20 World Cup: India will need to up their game against England

The Indians beat arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets before notching a more convincing six-wicket win against West Indies earlier this week.

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 here on Friday.

A win against world number two England on Friday 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.

Jemimah Rodrigues will seek some consistency while skipper Kaur has also looked in good touch and has made useful contributions though she has not scored big so far with 33 being her highest.