Women's T20 WC: India need top guns firing in unison against New Zealand

India faces New Zealand in the women's T20 World Cup opener, relying on senior stars for a strong start.

A stellar effort by senior stars would be mandatory when India takes on New Zealand in their opening Group A match of the women's T20 World Cup in Dubai on Friday (October 4, 2024), aiming for a strong start in their quest to wipe off the memories of past near-misses.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who in all likelihood, will be appearing in her last T20 World Cup, has been witness to several near misses and disappointing moments from close quarters, including India's capitulation to Australia in the final at Melbourne in 2020.

As a has been in the past, this Indian line-up is rich in talent and, arguably, only Australia have a similarly well-oiled unit.

But the reigning champions have six titles in their cabinet, and India's is still dust-laden.

So, what pegs India back in global events? It seems more a case of mental fragility at clutch moments, and the Women in Blue tried to address that during a preparatory camp at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) with a few counselling sessions.

But such external measures can only be of limited help in big tournaments, as it boils down entirely to flawless execution of strategies on a given day.

In that context, India will not get a better opponent than New Zealand, which is not a fancied side like its Trans-Tasman neighbour. But the two-time runners-up are as tough as nails.