All eyes will be on opener Shafali Verma when India Women take on Pakistan Women in an Asia Cup T20 contest on Friday.

Shafali has been going through a lean patch and India will want the aggressive batter to fire at the top with Smriti Mandhana.

India experimented with their playing XIs in their last two games, making as many as eight changes, but are expected to field their strongest side against arch-rivals Pakistan.

The team will draw strength from the form of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Mandhana, while Jemimah Rodrigues, making a comeback, has also been in fine touch.

Both Mandhana and Shafali have been rested for a game each in the tournament so far. Shafali wasn’t at her fluent best in the match against Malaysia and it is important for her to regain confidence.

With the Women’s T20World Cup scheduled early next year, it is imperative for Shefali to be back among runs quickly.

Jemimah, returning from a wrist injury, has fired successive half-centuries in Indian victories.

While India have brushed aside challenges so far in the tournament, Pakistan suffered a shock four-wicket loss against minnows Thailand in their last game.

India, undoubtedly, have the edge, enjoying a 5-0 head-to-head record in their last five meetings against Pakistan. The most recent encounter between the two sides, at the Commonwealth Games in July, saw India outplay their neighbours easily.

Pakistan will be a bit shaky, even though they had won their matches against Malaysia and Bangladesh quite easily. Opener Sidra Ameen has been in good touch.

⚫ Match starts: 1 pm IST, Live on Star Sports