In-form Indian eves look to outclass SA
leicester — After a four-match unbeaten run, India will look to secure a semifinal berth at the ICC Women’s World Cup when they meet South Africa at the Grace Road ground on Saturday.
India will look to maintain their winning streak after having defeated England, the West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their previous outings.
On the other hand, South Africa have been a bit inconsistent, winning two of their four matches. They lost to England while their match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain.
India are at the second spot on the points table with eight points, the same as defending champions Australia who are at the top position due to a superior run rate.
For South Africa, a win against India will help them enter the top four and get into contention for a semifinals spot. The Proteas are presently at the fifth spot with five points.
India will heavily depend on their in-form batter Smriti Mandhana and skipper Mithali Raj who have been in good nick throughout the tournament.
Mandhana and Raj have figured in all the four matches played by India so far. Mandhana has scored 206 runs with an average of 51.50 while Raj has scored 178 runs with an average of 44.50.
In the bowling department, the Indian spinners have wreaked the most damage on the opposition and may prove to be the key against South Africa as well. —