Colombo has been at the receiving end of the weather, with rain playing a spoilsport for the Australia vs Sri Lanka Women’s World Cup encounter. The match was called off without a ball being bowled. Now, India faces Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday, and rain could disrupt the proceedings once again. In fact, IND’s optional practice session on the eve of the encounter as disrupted too.
IND vs PAK Handshake Drama Again
But then, it hardly matters for now, what part the weather plays, since it is certainly going to be filled with controversies. From the drama that unfolded between India, Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav, Salman Ali Agha and Mohsin Naqvi.. it could be yet another one between the two sides.
In all likelihood, nothing would change between the two nations — who are set to play for the fourth time in four weeks. Harmanpreet Kaur would lead the troops against a very young, Fatima Sana’s team. So, no handshakes could be a norm once again. To be fair, the Pakistani women too have resorted to objectionable gesturing in the recent times.. and Fatima, Nashra Sandhu and some of the others are guilty of the ‘jet down’ celebration.
And if that happens, tempers will flare. This Pakistani side is a lot weaker than their men’s counterparts, and any such provocation could cost them dear on the cricket field. As it is, they are coming back after a humiliating loss against Bangladesh, and India after an excellent win over Sri Lanka.
12-0 in India’s Favour
Moreover, PAK has never beaten IND in a women’s ODI. IT stands at 11-0, which could soon be 12-0, if the weather permits. As far as the team combination is concerned, India could look to bring in a few changes, before the big matches come. Arundhati Reddy and Uma Chetry would be looking to make the use of those chances.
On the other hand, Pakistan don’t really have the luxury of a lot of chopping and changing. Barring a few, most players border on being average. Most hopes in batting would be pinned on Sidra Amin, while bowling would rest on Fatima’s ability.
Full Squads
Pakistan Women Squad: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz(w), Fatima Sana(c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Eyman Fatima, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas.
India Women Squad: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Uma Chetry
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