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.
