Outplayed in the ODI series, Indian women should elevate their recreation in all departments to redeem themselves in the three-match T20 series in opposition to South Africa, starting right here on Saturday (March 20).
Apart from the nine-wicket win in the second match, Mithali Raj’s facet failed to fireside as a unit in opposition to their South African counterparts, who appeared in good rhythm all through the series. In the phrases of skipper Mithali Raj, India appeared underprepared in their first series in 12 months. While they posted aggressive scores in the third and 4th ODIs, the hosts struggled to below-par totals in the primary and fifth video games.
With Jemimah Rodrigues wanting runs, India missed the aptitude of younger Shafali Verma. However, the 17-year-old, who had a tremendous T20 World Cup final yr, will likely be again on the prime of the order.
Star opener Smriti Mandhana had only one good innings to point out in the five-ODI series and might want to step up. India may even hope that the change of captaincy will carry a change of luck as Harmanpreet Kaur seems to steer from the entrance. With 160 runs, the left-handed batter has appeared in good contact with the bat.
Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh may even look to utilize the probabilities that they get to point out their abilities in the center order. In the one-dayers, the hosts’ bowling was too depending on veteran Jhulan Goswami because the spinners, save Rajeshwari Gayakwad (8 wickets), did not make a mark, which is among the prime causes for the loss.
Senior leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma have been dropped from the fifth ODI after their lacklustre present and the duo will look to bounce again in the shortest format. In the tempo division, the onus will likely be on Arundhati Reddy and Manshi Joshi and eyes may even be on rookies Monica Patel and Simran Dil Bahadur.
South Africa, then again, have appeared like a well-oiled machine as each their batters and bowlers have excelled in the tour.
Opening batswoman Lizelle Lee, who topped the runscorers record with 288 runs in 4 matches with totals of 83 not out, 4, 132 not out and 69, will as soon as once more look to dominate the proceedings. She was ably supported by Mignon du Preez (166 runs) and Laura Wolvaardt (154 runs) and it will likely be an actual take a look at for the Indian bowling assault to tame them.
Pacewomen Shabnim Ismail (7 wickets) and Tumi Sekhukhune (5 wickets) have been their most profitable bowlers, whereas medium pacers Marizanne Kapp (3) and Nadine de Klerk (3) too have chipped in with helpful spells.
Squads:
Indian women: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Sushma Verma (wicket-keeper), Nuzhat Parveen (wicket-keeper), Ayushi Soni, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Mansi Joshi, Monica Patel, C. Prathyusha, Simran Dil Bahadur.
South Africa women: Sune Luus (captain), Ayabonga Khaka, Shabnim Ismail, Laura Wolvaardt, Trisha Chetty, Sinalo Jafta, Tasmin Britz, Marizanne Kapp, Nondumiso Shangase, Lizelle Lee, Anneke Bosch, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Mignon du Preez, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Tumi Sekhukhune.
