Back-to-back victories notwithstanding, India Women will face their first real test in the ongoing T20 Women’s World Cup when they take on England in Gqeberha, South Africa, on Saturday.

Pakistan and the West Indies could not really put pressure on India, though it was evident there was much room for improvement for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side. Saturday will show if the Indians have learnt their lessons, particularly the bowlers who haven’t been sharp enough.

A victory against England, who too have posted impressive wins in the tournament, will virtually confirm a semis spot for India.

In their last game, against the Caribbean side, India rode a powerful knock from Richa Ghosh to win comfortably in the end. But ideally, they would like more runs from their top order.

If either of Shafali Vermaor Smriti Mandhana manages to get a good score, the task becomes much easier for rest of the batters.

The middle order of Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa though look to be in good touch. They will be up against England’s spin trio of Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn.

The bowlers will have little room for error with England boasting a batter like Alice Capsey, who hit the joint-fastest fifty of the T20 World Cup the other day.

Though the points are same, England (+2.497) have a superior net run rate than India (+0.590).

Bates record in big victory

Calcutta: New Zealand Women crushed their Bangladesh counterparts by 71 runs in a Women’s T20 World Cup match in Cape Town on Friday.

Opener Suzie Bates’ 81 not out off 61 balls powered New Zealand to 189/3, the highest total of the tournament so far. Then their bowlers kept Bangladesh under a leash, allowing them to score just 118/8 in 20 overs. Suzie became the first player to pass 1000 runs at Women’s T20 World Cups during the course of her innings.

A superb Powerplay set New Zealand up for their big first-innings score after the White Ferns opted to bat.

Brief scores: New Zealand Women 189/3 in 20 ovs (Suzie Bates 81 n.o., Maddy Green 44 n.o.). Bangladesh Women 118/8 in 20 ovs (Eden Carson 3/18, Hannah Rowe 2/15). New Zealand Women won by 71 runs.

OUR BUREAU