India have had a mixed outing so far in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup so far, having lost the opener against New Zealand and winning the next one against Pakistan.
The Indian eves will be trying to fix their batting woes and boost their net run rate (NRR), which took a beating after the 58-run loss against the Kiwis, when they take on bottom-placed Sri Lanka in the Group A match today in Dubai. India are fourth in five-team group and have a net run rate of – 1.217.
The Indian batters had a golden chance to improve the NRR against Pakistan, having been set a modest target of 106 runs. But India laboured to a six-wicket win in 18.5 overs.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand, too, have two points like India, but are placed higher because of better NRRs—Pakistan with 0.555 and NZ with – 0.050.
With India's last group game being against table-toppers Australia, who thrashed the Kiwis by 60 runs, the Women in Blue will have to go for a big win against the Lankans today.
Scenarios for India's progress to the semifinals
1
If India win both their remaining matches, they will have six points. However, if New Zealand, too, win their remaining matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and Australia defeat Pakistan, all three teams—India, Australia and New Zealand—will have six points. The NRR will then decide who goes through to the knockout stage.
2
If Pakistan beat both Australia and New Zealand, and India win against Sri Lanka and Australia, both India and Pakistan will qualify for the semifinals.
3
If Australia win all their remaining matches, NRR will decide whether India, Pakistan or New Zealand will join them as the second team from Group A to enter the semifinals.
Harmanpreet Kaur fit for Sri Lanka match
Under-pressure India will heave a sigh of relief as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has been declared fit for today's crucial match against Sri Lanka. She had to retire hurt after scoring 29 runs because of a discomfort in her neck in the match against Pakistan.
However, there are still doubts on the availability of all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar who missed the Pakistan match.