The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, and India is being touted as one of the favourites to win the title. The tournament, initially scheduled for Bangladesh, was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to political tensions. This change in venue has turned out to be a potential advantage for India, with conditions in the UAE being remarkably similar to those back home.
Familiar conditions in UAE give India an edge
India’s cricket team is no stranger to the conditions in the UAE. The pitches in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi tend to favour spin bowlers, much like in India. The slow, turning tracks are expected to suit India’s strong spin bowling attack, led by the experienced Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
With India’s deep knowledge of such conditions, they are well-equipped to make the most of the UAE surfaces, giving them an upper hand over other teams, especially those less familiar with these conditions.
Coach Amol Muzumdar has also pointed out the similarity between conditions in India and the UAE, saying that his team is well-prepared for the bounce and turn they are likely to encounter. Muzumdar added, “We had specifically gone to Bangladesh in May to get used to the conditions, but the UAE surfaces are very similar to India. We expect to adapt quickly and make the most of the situation.”
India women’s cricket Team proven experience
The Indian team’s experience playing in the UAE is another reason why they are seen as favourites. Several players, including skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, have played in the UAE in the past, including in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Women’s T20 Challenge. This exposure to local conditions gives India a strategic advantage, as they are familiar with the nuances of these pitches, from the initial bounce to how the ball behaves under lights.
The ability to understand and react to the unpredictable dew factor is another benefit. Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged that dew plays a significant role in night matches in the UAE, and India’s well-rounded bowling attack, with both quality spinners and seamers like Renuka Singh, is equipped to handle these conditions.
Strong squad for Women’s T20 World Cup
India’s squad for the T20 World Cup boasts a perfect blend of youth and experience. With seasoned campaigners like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues forming the backbone of the batting line-up, and promising youngsters like Shafali Verma in the ranks, India has a well-rounded team capable of handling high-pressure situations.
Moreover, the mental strength of the team has been a focal point in their preparation. Head coach Amol Muzumdar revealed that the team had been working with a sports psychologist to improve mental toughness, which is key in a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup.
The players have had open conversations to address areas of improvement, which Muzumdar believes will pay dividends on the field.
Spin to win: India’s Bowling Strength
Spin bowling will be a crucial factor in the UAE, and India’s strength in this department cannot be overlooked. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav are expected to lead the spin attack, and their ability to exploit the slow, turning tracks in the UAE could prove decisive. In addition, India has effective all-rounders in Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh, providing a balanced bowling line-up that can adapt to any match situation.
As Harmanpreet Kaur mentioned, “We have a few players who have been playing for a long time, and they know their roles really well.” This level of experience in understanding the nuances of both spin and seam will be vital in India’s quest to claim their first T20 World Cup title.
High hopes despite past setbacks
Although India has reached the finals once, the coveted Women’s T20 World Cup title has remained elusive. Despite a few recent setbacks, including the Asia Cup loss to Sri Lanka, the team has used these experiences to refine their approach. With a more resilient mindset, India is focused on overcoming previous heartbreaks and capitalising on the opportunity this time around.
The familiarity with the UAE conditions, combined with the team’s preparation and depth in both batting and bowling, makes India one of the favourites for the 2024 T20 World Cup. As the tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on whether Harmanpreet Kaur’s side can turn this advantage into a historic title win.
