Welcome to the coverage of the Women's T20 World Cup match between India and New Zealand in Dubai on Friday.
A stellar effort by senior stars would be mandatory when India take on New Zealand in their opening Group A match of the women's T20 World Cup in Dubai on Friday, aiming for a strong start in their quest to wipe off the memories of past near-misses.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who in all likelihood, will be appearing in her last T20 World Cup, has been witness to several near misses and disappointing moments from close quarters, including India's capitulation to Australia in the final at Melbourne in 2020.
India will require heavy contributions from their top guns -- the 35-year-old Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma.
Shafali and Mandhana have been in excellent touch, making runs in their last international outing in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in July even though India lost to the hosts in the final.
It is critical to India's chances as the pitches in the UAE, going through a harsh heat wave, might not be a treasure trove of runs, particularly deep into the tournament.
However, the expected weariness of the track, in one way, will cater to India's strengths in the bowling department -- spin.
They have only three pacers in their squad -- Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy.
In all likelihood, India will only play two of them, while depending on a plethora of spinners in their line-up.
India have exceptional variety in that department. The attack will be marshalled by off-spinners Deepti and Shreyanka Patil, leg-spinner Asha Shobhana and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav.
But the Kiwis have a good blend of experienced and young players, who can lift them above such obstacles.
Their talismanic skipper Sophie Devine, experienced all-rounder Suzie Bates along with veteran pacers Lea Tahuhu and Leigh Kasperek form the crux of this New Zealand side.
Add the exciting young all-rounder Amelia Kerr to the mix, and they have the wherewithal to spring a surprise or two in this tournament.
But beyond them, the Kiwis are a bit green behind the ears and that could be their Achilles Heel.