Harmanpreet Kaur’s India face South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday, June 21, in a Group A match that could shape the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final race. The fixture starts at 2.30pm local time in Manchester, with both sides still chasing a complete performance despite arriving as two of the competition’s strongest teams.
India have won twice, but their middle order remains under scrutiny and the attack has been reshaped by Shreyanka Patil’s tournament-ending injury. South Africa, meanwhile, have already lost to Australia and needed a nervy win over Pakistan to stay in control of their own route through the group.
India selection call adds edge to South Africa clash
According to Cricbuzz’s match preview, uncapped leg-spinner Prema Rawat has joined India as Patil’s replacement, while Radha Yadav is also pushing for a place because of her record against South Africa and her extra batting value.
The match also carries milestone weight for Harmanpreet, who is set to become the first player, male or female, to reach 200 T20Is. Deepti Sharma is one wicket away from becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s internationals.
South Africa are expected to keep faith with Laura Wolvaardt’s XI, with Shabnim Ismail’s return giving their attack extra pace. Their bigger question is whether the batting group can rotate strike better against India’s spin options on a fresh Old Trafford pitch.
