Women's 20-20 World Cup 2023: India's Predicted Playing XI against Ireland

The Women's 20-20 World Cup 2023 happening in South Africa has been entertaining. Indian fans had a great time watching the premier T20 competition, but England spoiled their party, handing them the first defeat for the Indian Eves in the season.

As such, the upcoming clash against Ireland becomes ever-important for the Women in Blue, who are sitting second on the points table for Group B. Ireland, on the other hand, have not won a single game in the three they have played. Here's how India's playing XI could look in the next game.

Top Order

Top Order, India's Predicted XI (Source: Twitter)

Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma should ride on her decent outings in the Women's 20-20 World Cup. She has scored 33 and 28 runs in the first two games and has helped her side make a strong start. However, she could not register a good score against England in the last game and must be looking to make amends against Ireland.

Smriti Mandhana: After missing out on the first high-octane clash against Pakistan, Smriti Mandhana returned for the game against West Indies. Mandhana announced her arrival to form with a brilliant fifty in the match against England. She would surely keep her position in the XI.

Jemimah Rodrigues: At number 3, Jemimah Rodrigues would continue preserving her spot. He batted exceptionally well in the opening game against Pakistan. But she has had two low scores back-to-back against West Indies and England. Yet, she's the best option for India at number 3.

Middle Order, Allrounders and Wicketkeeper

Middle Order, India's Predicted XI (Source: Twitter)

Harmanpreet Kaur (C): India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur would be a crucial batter at number four. Her strike rate could be an issue, but she's still India's best innings-builder. She batted well for her 33 in the game against West Indies.

Richa Ghosh (wk): To complement Kaur's anchoring nature, a hard-hitting Richa Ghosh is the best option. She scored a quick-fire 44 and remained not out to take India over the finish line against West Indies. In the game against Pakistan also, she remained not out at 31 off 20. She added another unbeaten 47 off 34 to her run tally in the match against England.

Harleen Deol: Harleen Deol has not had her chances in the tournament so far. She was in the Playing XI for the first game against Pakistan, but she did not have to bat as India won the match by 7 wickets. However, her firepower with the bat could be necessary against the minnows Ireland. Especially when both Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur have not scored runs consistently.

Deepti Sharma: Deepti Sharma will continue to preserve her place in the XI. The allrounder was impressive in the game against West Indies, picking up three wickets to add to her existing scalp against Pakistan to make a total tally of four in the tournament. She continued to pick up wickets with another scalp against England.

Bowlers

Bowlers, India's Predicted XI (Source: Twitter)

Pooja Vastrakar: While India will hope these players do not have to bat in the next game, Pooja Vastrakar is one of them who can be handy with the bat. She has picked up a wicket each in the games against Pakistan and West Indies but went for 24 runs in 2 overs against England. But she is still an important player, and there is less doubt about her place in the XI.

Radha Yadav: Up next, Radha Yadav will keep her position, having had two scalps against Pakistan. She bowled economically against England, conceding runs at the rate of 6.75 per over, which is better than most Indian bowlers from the game.

Shikha Pandey: Shikha Pandey bowled brilliantly well in the game against England. She picked up a wicket whilst maintaining an impressive economy rate of 5.00 according to T20 standards. She will continue preserving her place in the Playing XI.

Renuka Singh: The last name is a must-have name in the XI. Renuka Singh is the frontline pacer for India. Her role in the opening overs and at the depth is valuable. She picked up a five-wicket haul in the last game against England and looked in great touch.