Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore is ready to host a thrilling contest between India Women and England Women on October 19.
India started their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in fine form with two wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, two back-to-back defeats in Vizag — against South Africa and Australia — have pushed them to the fourth spot in the points table. They currently have four points from four games, with a net run rate of +0.682.
England, on the other hand, are unbeaten in the tournament so far. They have defeated South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, while their match against Pakistan was washed out. With seven points and a strong net run rate of +1.864, they are placed third and will look to extend their unbeaten run. For India, this is a must-win game as another loss could make their path to the semi-finals much tougher.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Overall: 79 matches – India 36, England 41, NR 2
- In India: 31 matches – India 21, England 10
- In Women’s World Cups: 12 matches– India 4, England 8
Current Form
India
After two solid wins, India have faced a dip in form. Their main concern has been batting against spin, especially left-arm spin. Even in the last game against Australia, Sophie Molineux picked up three wickets. Against England, the challenge will only get tougher. The English spin unit — Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Alice Capsey — has been in top form, taking 24 wickets so far, while their pacers have taken only six.
England
Despite being unbeaten, England’s batting has been tested in their last three games. Against Pakistan, they collapsed to 78/7 before Charlie Dean and Em Arlott rescued them. Against Sri Lanka, they were 168/6 before Nat Sciver-Brunt’s brilliant 117 lifted them to 253/9. In their chase against Bangladesh, they stumbled to 103/6 before Heather Knight guided them home with an unbeaten 79. While England remain strong, they are yet to produce a complete performance. Interestingly, their batters too have found spin tricky, losing 13 wickets to spinners so far.
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Players to Watch Out For
India
Harmanpreet Kaur
India’s skipper is under pressure, both as captain and batter. She has scored just 71 runs in four innings so far. However, ahead of this clash, she has put in extra effort, training for three straight days with full intensity. Her unique “tile drill” with plastic balls in Indore was aimed at improving her backfoot play. Against England, she enjoys a fine record — 955 runs in 25 innings at an average of 45.47, including a century in her last ODI against them. A big knock from her could lift both her confidence and India’s campaign.
N Shree Charani
The young left-arm spinner could prove to be India’s surprise weapon. She has taken six wickets in four matches, including three against Australia in the previous game. Her accuracy and variation in the middle overs could be key against England’s middle order.
England
Sophie Ecclestone
India’s struggle against left-arm spin makes Ecclestone a major threat. The world’s top-ranked WODI bowler has already claimed nine wickets in three games at a superb economy of 2.31. She is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
As captain and all-rounder, Sciver-Brunt’s impact will be crucial. She already has a match-winning century against Sri Lanka and continues to be effective with the ball, with four wickets in four games. Her variations could trouble India again, especially after Annabel Sutherland’s slower deliveries hurt them in Vizag.
Probable Playing XIs
India
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh
England
Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
Also Read: Smriti leads, Harman grafts: Team India’s intense match simulation ahead of England clash