India will be looking to erase the memories of a heart-breaking World Cup final defeat last year when they take on England in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World T20 on Friday (IST).
England beat India by nine runs in an exciting final of the 50-over global meet, a tournament that ushered a new era for women's cricket in India.
To their credit, the 'Women in Blue' have been able to build on that momentum and a fantastic run in the ongoing World T20 is a testimony to that.
India beat two formidable teams in their group -the ‘White Ferns’ from New Zealand by 34 runs and the ‘Southern Stars’ from Australia by 48 runs – maintaining an all-win record at the league stage.
However, England, the reigning ODI world champions, are a quality side in the shortest format and the scars of the summit clash loss at Lord's can play on the minds of Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, the two pillars of the women's side.
Skipper Harmanpreet’s performance will be key to India’s success as she is known to rise to the occasion. The Moga-born cricketer can be safely termed as someone who is a ‘big match’ player.
Against England, India will have their senior-most player Mithali Raj back in the side after being rested for the final group game against Australia as she was nursing a niggle suffered while fielding against Ireland. She will come back in place of spinner Anuja Patil.
Under new coach Ramesh Powar, India's strategy of playing a single pacer has worked wonderfully as their spinners have done well throughout the group league stages.
For England, the focus will be more on their seam attack, comprising Anya Shrubsole (7 wickets) and Natalie Sciver (4 wickets). They have been very economical and have kept Bangladesh and South Africa under 100 runs.
When is the India vs England Women’s T20 Semi-Final?
The match is scheduled to start at 5:30 am (IST) on Friday, 23 November.
Where Will India vs England Women’s T20 Be Played?
The match will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua.
Where to Watch Semi-Final of Women’s World T20 on TV?
India vs England Women’s World T20 Semi-Final match will be telecast on the Star Sports Network.
Where to Watch Women’s World T20 Semi-Final Online?
The live streaming of the India vs England, Women’s World Cup T20 Semi Final will be available on Hotstar.
India vs England, Women’s T20 Semi-Final: Squads
Team India
Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mithali Raj, Deepti Sharma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Veda Krishnamurthy, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Ekta Bisht, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Mansi Joshi, Devika Vaidya, Anuja Patil.
Team England
Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farran, Kirstie Gordon, Jenny Gunn, Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Linsey Smith, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.
(With inputs from PTI)
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