Trisha Ghosal in Vizag
The heat in Vizag feels relentless, the kind that stings your skin and leaves the air heavy. As the sun dips, the temperature finally softens, but the pressure around the Indian women’s team does not. They arrived in the city yesterday, and with their first training session set for this evening, there’s barely any time to settle in before facing South Africa. The Proteas, too, will have little breathing space, they land in Vizag today after playing New Zealand in Indore just last night.
India’s campaign so far has been comfortable, two wins out of two against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but the real test begins now. South Africa, bruised by a heavy defeat to England, yet buoyed by a clinical win over New Zealand, are unpredictable and dangerous. For India, this match marks the start of a tough stretch. The equation is simple: win at least two of the next four to cruise into the semi-finals without anxiety. The execution, however, is anything but simple.
India’s batting has looked uncertain despite the results. The top order isn’t rotating strike as fluently as expected, and Smriti Mandhana, who has dominated bilateral cricket for a year, is yet to find her rhythm on the World Cup stage. The Indian line-up, once known for its balance, looks unsettled. In the opener against Sri Lanka, Amanjot Kaur played while Renuka Singh Thakur, India’s premier new-ball bowler, was benched. In the second game, Amanjot’s illness brought Renuka back in. The challenge now is to fit both into the XI, because Amanjot’s versatility and Renuka’s early swing are equally crucial.
That balance could come at the cost of a batter. Harleen Deol has shown promise without capitalising on starts, while Jemimah Rodrigues, despite her flair and experience, remains inconsistent. The leadership group faces a difficult call, who gives way to achieve that perfect combination?
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If the heat outside is unforgiving, the one on the field will be even harsher. South Africa’s struggles against spin are well-documented. In the recent ODI against Pakistan, Nashra Sandhu dismantled them with a six-wicket haul. Against England, left-arm duo Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone shared five wickets, while New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr struck twice. India may lack a wrist-spinner, but with Deepti Sharma’s craft and Sneh Rana’s control, their spin attack remains potent. Left-arm options like N Shree Charani and Radha Yadav offer variety, though it seems unlikely Radha will break into the XI just yet.
For South Africa, everything hinges on their openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. When either of them gets stuck in, the team builds around that platform. India’s new-ball bowlers must seize early momentum, otherwise, the contest could slip quickly.
With just over two days to go before the first ball is bowled, India stand at a crossroads. Their campaign has started well, but the margins are narrowing, and every selection, every spell, every over now counts double. The conditions are scorching, the schedule unforgiving but champions rise in the heat. Can India find their balance, their bite, and begin the tough leg of this World Cup with a statement win?
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