Published By: Sayan Guha

ICC Women’s World T20 2024: The X-Factors to Watch in India vs. New Zealand Clash

Both teams have their share of match-winners, but the real question is: Who will step up when it matters most?

The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has finally kicked off in the UAE. For India, the journey begins on 4th October with a thrilling clash against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

As both teams gear up for this crucial encounter in the group stage, one thing’s certain – individual brilliance could be the game-changer. Let’s take a look at three players from each side who could be the X-factors in this match. These are the stars who could swing the game with a moment of magic.

India’s x-factors

Deepti Sharma

Deepti Sharma is the kind of player you want when the chips are down. With 117 matches under her belt, she’s racked up over 1,000 runs and snatched 131 wickets. Her ability to break partnerships with her tight off-spin and her ability to play key innings in the middle order makes her a double threat. Remember her best bowling figures of 4/10? That makes Deepti so dangerous – she can turn a game around in a single spell.

Smriti Mandhana

It’s hard to talk about Indian women’s cricket without mentioning Smriti Mandhana. She’s the backbone of India’s batting line-up, with an impressive 141 matches and 3,493 runs. Her highest score against New Zealand is a scintillating 86—and if that’s any indication, Smriti could well repeat the feat. With 26 fifties in her career, she knows how to build innings, and if she gets going, she can put the pressure right back on New Zealand.

Shreyanka Patil

A rising star in India’s bowling department, Shreyanka Patil is making waves with her clever off-spin. In just 12 matches, she’s already claimed 16 wickets, with her best figures being 3/19. What’s impressive about Shreyanka is her tight economy rate of 7.14, which could strangle the Kiwi batters in the middle overs. It’s still early days for her on the international stage, but she’s already shown she has the nerve to handle the big moments. 

New Zealand’s x-factors

Sophie Devine 

Sophie Devine is a name Indian cricket fans know all too well. Devine is a match-winner in every sense, with 147 matches, 3,860 runs, and 101 wickets. Her highest score against India is 89, and she’s known for her fearless approach at the top of the order. Not only can she take the game away with her bat, but she can also pick up crucial wickets with her medium pace. 

Suzie Bates

Suzie Bates has been the bedrock of New Zealand’s batting for years, with a staggering 4,434 runs in 165 matches. She’s no stranger to playing against India, with her highest score against them being 67. Bates is the type of player who can steady the ship when things go wrong and accelerate when needed. With 28 fifties to her name, she’s consistent, and her leadership experience adds to her importance in high-pressure games. 

Lea Tahuhu 

Lea Tahuhu has been a thorn in India’s side for years. With 14 wickets against India and an overall tally of 112 wickets in 95 matches, she’s known for her pace and ability to make early breakthroughs. Her best bowling figures of 5/37 show what she’s capable of on her day. Tahuhu has an economy rate of 4.53, which is remarkable for a fast bowler in T20s.