India began their campaign with two wins before their first defeat, against South Africa. They posted 158/7, but South Africa chased it down with five balls left. India still sit second in Group A. Smriti Mandhana has 159 runs at an average of 53.00, including 74 off 47 balls against the Netherlands, and Shafali Verma has given aggressive starts. Richa Ghosh has been effective at the end of the innings, and Harmanpreet Kaur adds experience.
Shree Charani leads the bowling with ten wickets at an average of 6.40, and Deepti Sharma took 5/10 against Pakistan. Shafali has also chipped in with wickets. The 40 runs conceded in the last three overs against South Africa is the weakness, and Renuka Singh and Nandani Sharma could add pace options.
Bangladesh have four points from three matches and sit fourth, after a 23-run win over Pakistan. Shorna Akter’s unbeaten 39 off 22 balls rescued them in that game. Sharmin Akhter and Dilara Akter open, Juairiya Ferdous anchors the middle order, and captain Nigar Sultana has contributed runs, though her scoring rate could improve. Sanjida Akter Meghla leads the spin attack with Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan, and Marufa Akter has also taken wickets.
Bangladesh’s challenge is playing Indian spin, which has troubled them before, and they were bowled out for 77 by Australia earlier. To spring a surprise they need their top order to fire.
Emirates Old Trafford is expected to give a balanced contest. Quick bowlers may get swing and seam early, particularly if cloud lingers, and batters who survive the opening overs can profit from true bounce and pace. Spinners may find grip in the middle overs without dominating. A first-innings 165–180 should be competitive and above 185 hard to chase, so many captains may prefer to bowl first.
Hot and sunny conditions are forecast, with afternoon temperatures around 30–32°C, clear skies and light winds. Rain interruptions look highly unlikely, though players will need to manage the heat.
Our preview picks India Women, with a stronger spin attack and a batting order that has been in good touch.
Their death bowling: they conceded 40 runs in the last three overs against South Africa as that chase was completed.
They beat Pakistan Women by 23 runs defending 123, with Shorna Akter’s unbeaten 39 off 22, taking them to four points from three games.
Women's CricketFormer pacer Shikha believes India captain Harmanpreet Kaur should be promoted up the order and play freely ahead of a must-win game against Bangladesh.
Women's CricketSmriti Mandhana says India will bat with positive intent against Australia, with a semi-final place at stake, and feels the gap has narrowed.
Women's CricketIndia captain Harmanpreet Kaur played her 200th T20I, a world first, but South Africa won by six wickets with Marizanne Kapp named Player of the Match.