The Indian women's cricket team will face Sri Lanka in their third match of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (October 9) in what is a must-win clash for the Women in Blue to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side made a horror start to their campaign with a 58-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener. The Indian team bounced back to beat archrivals Pakistan by six wickets. However, they won with seven balls left and missed the chance to improve their net run rate (NRR).

India were hit with a big blow as skipper suffered Harmanpreet a freak neck injury during the Pakistan match. She retired hurt and left the pitch and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana could not provide a definite update on her injury in the post-match presentation.

Mandhana could lead the team against Sri Lanka if Harmanpreet is not delcared fit. If the Indian captain is not playing XI, Dayalan Hemalatha is set to take her place and bat at number three. Jemimah Rodrigues will once again bat at number four after a promotion to number three in the match against Pakistan.

Wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh and star all-rounder Deepti Sharma will retain their roles in the team. Pooja Vastrakar was left out of the playing XI due to an injury. Sajeevan Sajana could once again be picked with the conditions suiting spin bowlers.

There is no change expected in the core bowling unit with Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana keeping their places.

India's Likely Playing XI vs Sri Lanka: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Sajeevan Sajana, Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, and Asha Sobhana

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.