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India started their 2023 ICC Women's World Cup campaign with a thrilling win over Pakistan before coasting past West Indies. However, the biggest challenge in the group stages will see them take on England in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, February 18. Heading into their third game, India win the toss and chose to bowl first.
In the previous two games, Richa Ghosh was their finisher after a strong and aggressive start by Shafali Verma was coupled with stable innings by Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur respectively. With the team in good form, skipper Harmapreet has brought in veteran pacer Shikha Pandey in place of Devika Vaidya.
Speaking about her reasoning for the decision to bowl, the India skipper said, " We are going to bowl because of the weather and the conditions. Chasing will be a better option today. We have one change - Shikha comes in for Devika. The bowling has been a concern for us as we have given loose balls in the last two games and have to do better in that department. It is an important game and we want to keep doing what we have done till now."
England have been in similar form in the marquee tournament, with comfortable wins over the West Indies and then Ireland. It has been a complete performance from their batting and bowling performances, and all eyes will be on this team heading into their final two group-stage matches.
For England, who are unchanged, skipper Heather Knight would have done the same. " We are going to bowl because of the weather and the conditions. Chasing will be a better option today. We have one change - Shikha comes in for Devika. The bowling has been a concern for us as we have given loose balls in the last two games and have to do better in that department. It is an important game and we want to keep doing what we have done till now," she said about the toss.
It is also important to note that whichever teams win the game on Saturday will confirm their place in the semifinals of the competition. A loss might increase the chances of a second place and a potential semi-final clash against the mighty Australians.
India Playing XI
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh.
England Playing XI
Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell.
