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The Women's Asia Cup is all set for a thrilling start as defending champions India begin their campaign with a mouth-watering clash against Pakistan in Dambulla on July 19. The Indian team have been in good form and come into the match after a fine series against South Africa. Harmanpreet Kaur and her side were able to leavel the series 1-1 and played some fine cricket.
The form of Smriti Mandhana with the bat at the top of the order is welcome news for the Indian team, while bowling was the standout factor during the series against South Africa. Pooja Vastrakar picked up 8 wickets in the series against the Proteas and Radha Yadav has also got into the mix well. The spin attack has the likes of Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil and Sajana, who can turn the game on its head on their day.
For Pakistan, the form hasn't been great coming into the tournament. They have competed in 19 matches over the course of the last one year and have managed to win just 7 games. While they did have a thrilling series win against New Zealand away from home, they lost to Bangladesh and West Indies at home and were comprehensively beaten by England with a 3-0 scoreline.
Even though Nida Dar will captain the side, there are wholesome changes that have been made to the squad for the tournament.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana.
Pakistan: Nida Dar (c), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.
India and Pakistan have faced each other 14 times in T20Is, with India winning 11 out of them. India also have the edge over Pakistan when it comes to the Asia Cup as they have won 5 out of 6 matches. The last time both teams faced in the Asia Cup, it was Pakistan who got the win.
Usually the track in Dambulla is known for being flat but the spinners are expected to get some assistance under the lights. The pacers would need to use a lot of cutters on this track to be effective on this pitch.
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur, Asha Shobana, Arundhati Reddy
Pakistan: Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar (c), Najiha Alvi, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu
India are favourites to retain their crown and have form under their belt. Can expect Harmanpreet and her side to make a winning start to the campaign.
