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The Indian bowlers were blamed for taking their foot off the pedal at the back end of the innings, allowing Pakistan to score 91 runs in the second half of their innings.
They will be inclined to give a better account of themselves. With tougher opposition expected as the tournament progresses, the Indian bowlers couldn’t have asked for a better opponent than a familiar West Indies team, whom India beat twice in the recent tri-series.
If India has to win the title, then the batting department will also have to gear up.
Had it not been for three consecutive fours by young Richa Ghosh in the 18th over, India would not have been able to cross the mark.
Big-hitting Shafali Verma, fresh from leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title, was not at her best against Pakistan. She struggled to hit the big shots.
Yastika Bhatia, who opened the innings in Mandhana’s absence, struggled to find her rhythm while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was also dismissed without much impact.
However, the skipper needs others to step up, especially the experienced Stafanie Taylor, who is back from a back injury.
It will be a crucial encounter for the West Indies as a defeat will eliminate the former champions from the race for the semi-finals.
Teams (from):
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh, Jemima Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Anjali Sarwani, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Shikha Pandey.
West Indies: Hayley Mathews (c), Shemaine Campbelle (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afi Fletcher, Shabika Ghajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Jada James, Jinaba Joseph, Chadian Nation, Karishma Ramharrek, Shakira Selman, Stafanie Taylor , Rashada Williams.
The match will start at 6.30 pm Indian time.
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