Everything that could come good for India did so against Sri Lanka. A superb start followed by a brilliant effort from the skipper, a decent cameo from Jemimah Rodrigues and then a fantastic bowling and, more importantly, fielding effort. By winning as they did, India also got their net run rate (NRR) back on track. But the question is, will it be enough? Can we now say that India have managed to reopen the semi-final doors after two underwhelming games in Dubai, or is that premature?
First, New Zealand have two games left. Their final match is on Monday, October 14, a day after India’s final pool game against Australia. And given Sri Lanka’s current form, it is a remote possibility that New Zealand will lose to them. Pakistan too aren’t really challenging opposition, and Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and company will fancy beating them comfortably.
In such a scenario, New Zealand would have ample opportunity to improve their NRR. They will also know exactly what they need when they step out on Monday, with India having played a day earlier. In fact, the scheduling could come back to bite India. While it is understandable that the ICC wanted to schedule India’s games on Sundays, that New Zealand play later gives them an advantage of sorts. All this, however, is assuming that India are able to beat a champion Australian side on Sunday, and New Zealand win their two remaining games as well.
Can India beat Australia, or is that almost impossible? In Sharjah, India do have a chance. But in what is expected to be a low-scoring game on a slow and low wicket, the margin, either way, wouldn’t be huge. As a result, its impact on the NRR won’t be much. Then again, Australia won’t give India too many openings. The chance that Harmanpreet Kaur offered to cover, a sitter, will not be put down like it was in the Sri Lanka game. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana won’t have it half as easy against Australia’s bowling and fielding. Maybe that’s where India will need clarity. Will Harman bat at No. 3 or 4? If so, why? Will the openers take their time, or try and make the most of the powerplay in difficult batting conditions?
What India need against Australia is clear thinking. If there are a couple of early wickets, what’s the strategy going to be? Will the skipper still come out or will it be Jemimah? How do you best use Richa Ghosh? Is there the possibility of giving Radha Yadav a game with her fielding in mind? But then, who do you replace? That India looked so much better on the field was also because of Radha, whose stunning effort was surely the catch of the tournament.
The game against Australia is a virtual knock-out. A game that could well have a huge bearing on the future of women’s cricket. Harmanpreet, who played a stellar hand against Sri Lanka, will have to do it again in the match that matters. A win against the world champions will give India a lifeline. Anything else, and they will surely be heading home. The stakes couldn’t be higher. India want a Bijoya Dashami gift from Harman, Smriti and the team. It is tough, yes, but not impossible.
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