Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
Team India’s campaign at the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has taken a serious hit with back-to-back defeats in Vizag. After strong wins against Sri Lanka in Guwahati and Pakistan in Colombo, the Women in Blue arrived in Vizag full of confidence. But both South Africa and Australia got the better of them, leaving India empty-handed.
With two wins and two losses, India now sit third in the points table with four points from four games and a net run rate of +0.682.
Their next stop is Indore, where they will face an in-form England side. After that, the team will travel to Navi Mumbai for their last two group matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh. With matches coming thick and fast, every game now feels like a must-win for India as the race for the semi-finals heats up.
The best possible scenario for India is to win all their remaining three games. That would take them to 10 points from seven matches — enough to secure a semi-final spot.
However, if they lose against England and win the other two games, they will finish with eight points. In that case, the India versus New Zealand clash in Navi Mumbai could turn into a virtual quarter-final, especially if the White Ferns continue their winning run. Net run-rate might also come into play in such a situation.
If India win only one of their remaining matches or lose all three, it will be a heartbreaking exit from their home World Cup — a scenario they would desperately want to avoid.
All eyes now turn to the October 19 clash against England in Indore. The big question remains whether India will make any tactical changes. Will they bring in a sixth bowling option to provide more cushion while defending under lights, especially with dew being a factor? If so, which batter will make way?
After the loss to Australia, head coach Amol Muzumdar said at the post-match press conference that the management is unlikely to make changes in the batting order but will assess the option of adding a sixth bowler.
Time is running out for India. Another loss could make every remaining match a do-or-die contest, as the Women in Blue look to keep their home World Cup dreams alive.
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