NEW DELHI: India will look to take control of their fate and secure a semifinal spot when they face New Zealand in what is effectively a virtual quarterfinal at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.

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A win would see Harmanpreet Kaur’s side become the fourth team to book their place in the last four. Any slip-ups, however, would leave India relying on results from other matches to advance.

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Three consecutive defeats against this World Cup’s semifinalists — Australia, South Africa, and England — have exposed India’s struggles under pressure, often after being in promising positions. The shock loss in Indore, where India managed just 56 from 54 balls with seven wickets intact, remains a major talking point for captain Harmanpreet.

The team’s challenges extend beyond lineup choices. The pressure of performing at a home World Cup has highlighted gaps in skill sets and consistency. None of the top-order batters have been able to finish games, and the bowling has lacked a dependable performer, leaving India heavily reliant on Richa Ghosh for big hits.

Leadership will be key, with Harmanpreet and in-form Smriti Mandhana expected to guide India through the high-stakes encounter. Harleen Deol, batting at No. 3, will also come under pressure to convert starts into impactful innings.

India adjusted their squad by leaving out Jemimah Rodrigues to include sixth bowler Renuka Singh Thakur, an expert in swing bowling. Training has also been disrupted, with Tuesday’s session washed out due to unseasonal rain, leaving only Wednesday for final preparations.

The pitch at DY Patil is traditionally batter-friendly, but teams batting second must account for dew, which can challenge even the best bowling attacks.

New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine and supported by the experienced Suzie Bates, will pose a stern test. With two previous matches in Colombo washed out, the White Ferns will be eager to play a full game. Devine, the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 260 runs, including a century and two fifties, will be a key threat for India.

Teams:

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav, Uma Chetry.

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Bella James, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

Match starts: 3pm IST

(With PTI Inputs)