India's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 is in jeopardy after a disappointing performance against New Zealand in their opening match. The Women in Blue now face the tough task of winning all their remaining group stage matches to stay in contention for the next round, with arch-rivals Pakistan up next.

India crumble under pressure in opening match 

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side got off to a shaky start in the tournament, suffering a heavy defeat against New Zealand in Dubai. Chasing a challenging target of 161, the Indian team collapsed under pressure, managing only 102 runs before being bowled out in 19 overs. Rosemary Mair led the charge for New Zealand with an impressive 4-19, including the crucial wicket of Harmanpreet Kaur inside the power play. Lea Tahuhu supported her with a solid bowling performance, taking 3-15.

Despite India's strong batting line-up, the team struggled to build momentum and failed to match New Zealand’s intensity in all three departments—batting, bowling, and fielding.

See Also: Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Video Highlights: Australia kick off T20I journey defeating Sri Lanka

Must-win game for India against confident Pakistan

India’s path to the next stage of the T20 World Cup has become tricky, as they must win all remaining group-stage matches to advance. Their next challenge comes in the form of Pakistan, who are full of confidence after defeating Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka in their opening match. Although Pakistan have historically struggled against India, having won just three encounters, they are riding high on their recent victory and pose a significant hurdle for India.

• Fixture: India Women vs Pakistan Women, T20 World Cup 2024
• Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024
• Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM IST)
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
• Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar app and website

Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will be aware of their superior head-to-head record against Pakistan but will need to bounce back strongly from their recent loss to stay in contention for the tournament.

India Women Squad: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur Singh, Yastika Bhatia, S Sajana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Radha Yadav

Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali(w), Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Nida Dar, Tuba Hassan, Fatima Sana(c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Iram Javed, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas, Tasmia Rubab