(Cricket news) After a tough loss against England, India women need a win against Ireland to seal a T20 World Cup semi-final spot. They could still qualify with a loss but it will depend on Pakistan’s result and NRR. The performance against England was good in parts but in the end they fell 11 runs short. India women haven’t had the best of starts to the tournament as their wins against Pakistan and West Indies were also not convincing. Favourites England and Australia on the other hand have played better cricket as they have sealed 2 semi final spots. It will be interesting if India make any significant changes in their shape for the match against Ireland.

India women possible playing XI:

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Devika Vaidya, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Shikha Pandey, Renuka Singh Thakur

Bench: Harleen Deol, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Yastika Bhatia, Anjali Sarvani, 

The match is once again at the St George’s Oval meaning India Women are likely to play 3 seamers again. However it may be time to bring Devika Vaidya back in to bring a wrist spin option. Leaving out Rajeshwari Gayakwad would make sense as India have a left arm spinner in Radha Yadav. Richa Ghosh is the one to watch as she is the in form player for India who is yet to get out in this tournament. Renuka Singh Thakur got a 5-fer against England and will be looking to repeat the same in the must win match.

Ireland women possible playing XI:

Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany (c), Eimear Richardson, Louise Little, Mary Waldron (wk), Leah Paul, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire

Bench: Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey

Ireland have played the same XI in all the matches and it is likely to remain the same. The opening partnership between Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis will be very important from Ireland’s point of view. Ireland are a much better side than they have shown so far. Even though they can’t qualify it will be a massive achievement if they beat India women. Countering Renuka Singh Thakur’s opening spell is going to be their biggest challenge.

Also read: Clarke lists out ‘major, major mistakes’ committed by Australia on India tour so far