Delhi, 22 October (H.S.): India and New Zealand will meet in a high-stakes, do-or-die Women’s World Cup match in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, with the semifinal hopes of both teams hanging in the balance and a significant threat of rain looming over the fixture.

India is under immense pressure after three consecutive losses, facing criticism for an unsettled team combination and a batting lineup that has repeatedly failed under pressure. Despite the struggles, the team returns to a familiar venue in Navi Mumbai, where many players have experience from T20 internationals and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). A single victory is all they need to secure a semifinal berth.

New Zealand’s path is equally fraught. Their last two matches were abandoned due to rain, leaving them in a position where they must defeat both India and England to advance. Historically, New Zealand holds an advantage, having won 34 of 57 ODIs against India and six of the last nine encounters since 2022.

The weather forecast for Navi Mumbai is poor, with heavy rain already forcing the cancellation of India’s training session on Tuesday. A washout could benefit India, as it would leave New Zealand needing a victory against a formidable England team.Key players from both sides are under scrutiny.

India’s young pacer, Kranti Gaur, has been expensive in the death overs, while New Zealand’s veteran opening pair of Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer have struggled for form throughout the tournament. With the DY Patil Stadium pitch known to be batting-friendly, both teams will be desperate for their key players to deliver.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar