India vs Pakistan Women Preview & Tips - India to swat Pakistan aside at CWC

Pakistan Women were given a reality check by Bangladesh in their opening match as they lost by seven wickets. 

In a game that was cut to 47 overs, India battled their way to 269/8. While the score itself was below 300, it always looked like it would be too much for Sri Lanka. With the ball, India skittled Sri Lanka for just 211. While India took all 10 of their opponent's wickets, it is perhaps more impressive that they kept nine of Sri Lanka's batters to a strike rate below 100.00.

Against Pakistan, the focus will be on continuing to apply the pressure with the ball and forcing the runs to dry up. A World Cup winning side will not always be able to take 10 wickets in a match. This means that killing the scoring rate can be as effective. Against their arch-rivals, India will want to bring the scoring rate to well below six an over, with this likely seeing the shot choice of the batters suffer as the pressure builds. 

On the other side of proceedings, I expect Pratika Rawal to go well with the bat again as she battled to a score of 37 in the first match against Sri Lanka. 

Being skittled for just 129 is one thing, but their inability to ever threaten Bangladesh with the ball is another. Having a bad day with both bat and ball in a World Cup match invariably ends in defeat, and the manner of their defeat will be a huge worry for all involved with the Pakistan team. 

Against India, I really worry for Pakistan. The Indian bowling attack is primed and ready to give them a real working over, while their batting unit will also fancy taking on a side that could only take three of Bangladesh's wickets in their last outing. I predict a heavy defeat for Pakistan in this one.