ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India Women vs New Zealand Women - Match Preview and Key Details

India faces New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Can Harmanpreet Kaur's team break their title jinx?

It has finally begun the world of women's T20 cricket for which everyone had been waiting so anxiously, and it is the UAE that plays host to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. All eyes are on Indian Women (IN-W) and New Zealand Women (NZ-W) as they clash this October 4, 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in what promises to be a cracking contest between two very strong teams who will have nothing but a winning start to their campaign in mind.

IN-W vs NZ-W: Match Details

Match: India Women (IN-W) vs New Zealand Women (NZ-W), 4th Match, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Match Date: October 4, 2024 (Friday)

Time: 7:30 PM PM (IST) / 02:00 PM GMT / 06:00 PM LOCAL

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

India’s Journey:

The Indian women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will start their campaign in Group A and is aiming to win the first-ever T20 World Cup title. The Indian women have qualified for the semi-finals of each of the last three T20 World Cups editions. Their best showing was in 2020 when they reached the final, but unfortunately lost to Australia. This time, the team has that will in them and is looking to break the jinx and take home the elusive trophy.

Strong mix of veterans and young talent has India, who has top-order firepower with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma to take on any bowling attack. Stabilizing the middle order is Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, and then there's explosive batting from captain Harmanpreet Kaur in high-pressure situations. The well-rounded attributes of Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar go to balance the whole team, which is why they are strong contenders for the title.

New Zealand:

New Zealand Women, under the guidance of skipper Sophie Devine, will look to improve on their last few outings in T20 World Cup. Though they could not advance beyond the semis during the last three successive editions of the global fiesta, they have a very promising team that includes experienced campaigners Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and the captain herself.

With the Kiwis, a huge run from their top order-upfront will come alive in the series, and when Amelia Kerr complements the crucial batting option she has proved herself to be, the conditions the mercurial bowlers Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu will want to perform under will give them more than an excellent chance of bracing the thumping Indian batting lineup.

Head-to-Head: India vs New Zealand

The head-to-head record between these two sides heavily favors New Zealand, with the White Ferns winning 9 out of 13 matches played against India in T20Is. India has managed to win only 4 games against them. However, past records often count for little in World Cup tournaments, where teams are driven by form and momentum. India will aim to improve this record by securing a crucial win in their opening match.

Pitch and Conditions:

A flat-pitched Abu Dhabi may surprise many an opponent. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for flat pitches. But the challenges these will pose to the bowling side are even more acute as the boundaries remain short in this stadium. However, at night, a new ball may swing around, and this can affect batters in the initial overs. It's likely to be a cracker, with both teams possessing very strong batting lineups.

Weather Forecast

So, it is going to be a very testing night in Dubai on Friday evening with temperatures up to 34°C and 55-65% humidity. There will be a slight breeze around 18-22 km/h but conditions will test the players more so the bowlers.

IN-W vs NZ-W: Predicted XIs:

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Arundathi Reddy, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur

New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine (C), Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green (wk), Leigh Kasperek, Georgia Plimmer, Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Lea Tahuhu

Can India Start with a Win?

For India, this match will be crucial to set the tone for the rest of their campaign. A win against New Zealand could boost their confidence as they aim for their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. For New Zealand, this game is an opportunity to reverse their recent T20 World Cup fortunes and show that they are a force to be reckoned with.

With both teams eager to make a mark, the India Women vs New Zealand Women clash promises to be an exciting encounter filled with skill, strategy, and fierce competition.