Former India cricketer Saba Karim stated the women's cricket team will encounter greater challenges against top-ranked opponents than Pakistan at the 2025 ODI World Cup. The selector emphasized matches against Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will test India more severely than Sunday's contest against Pakistan at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs in their opening match, but concerns remain about the team's structure. Karim suggested Pratika Rawal and captain Harmanpreet Kaur must serve as sixth bowling options when primary bowlers struggle against elite opponents.
The batting order revealed vulnerabilities when Smriti Mandhana departed early against Sri Lanka. Rawal and Harleen Deol managed just 38 runs from 70 deliveries before their partnership reached 67 runs off 96 balls.
Karim recommended flexible batting positions to maintain scoring rates throughout innings. The strategy would allow Harmanpreet to bat higher if Rawal falls early, preserving momentum from the powerplay into the middle overs.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs in their opening match, but concerns remain about the team's structure. Karim suggested Pratika Rawal and captain Harmanpreet Kaur must serve as sixth bowling options when primary bowlers struggle against elite opponents.
The batting order revealed vulnerabilities when Smriti Mandhana departed early against Sri Lanka. Rawal and Harleen Deol managed just 38 runs from 70 deliveries before their partnership reached 67 runs off 96 balls.
Karim recommended flexible batting positions to maintain scoring rates throughout innings. The strategy would allow Harmanpreet to bat higher if Rawal falls early, preserving momentum from the powerplay into the middle overs.
