Involved in the ODI series, Indian women will have to step up their game in all departments to capitalize on themselves in the three-match T20I series against South Africa starting in Lucknow on Saturday. Apart from a nine-wicket win in the second match, Mithali Raj’s side failed to fire as a unit against their South African counterparts, who looked in good rhythm throughout the series. In the words of captain Mithali Raj, India looked weak in their first series in 12 months. Although they posted competitive scores in the third and fourth ODIs, the hosts struggled for below-par totals in the first and fifth games.
With the lack of runs by Jemima Rodrigues, India missed the memory of young Shaifali Verma. However, the 17-year-old, who had an amazing T20 World Cup last year, will return to the top of the order.
Star opener Smriti Mandhana had just one good innings to show in the five-match ODI series and would need to step up.
India will also hope that the change of captaincy will bring a change in fortunes as Harmanpreet Kaur wants to lead from the front. With 160 runs, the right-handed batsman appears to be in good touch with the bat.
Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh will also appear to use the opportunities they get to show off their skills in the middle order.
In one-day matches, the hosts’ bowling depended on veteran Jhulan Goswami as the spinner, save Rajeshwari Gaikwad (8 wickets), failing to make a mark, which is one of the major reasons for the loss.
Senior leg-spinner Poonam Yadav and spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma were dropped from the fifth ODI after their brilliant performances and the pair will return to the shortest format.
In the PACE department, Arundhati Reddy and Mansi Joshi will be keeping an eye on Monika Patel and Simran Dil Bahadur.
On the other hand, South Africa have looked like a well-oiled machine, as their batsmen and bowlers have excelled in the tour.
Opening batsman Liezel Lee, who topped the list of runs in four matches with 838 not out, 4, 132 not out and 288 runs with 69 runs, will once again dominate the proceedings.
He was supported by Mignon du Preez (166 runs) and Laura Volvard (154 runs) and it would be a real test for the Indian team to bowl him.
Paesvome Shabnam Ismail (7 wickets) and Tumi Sekhune (5 wickets) have been his most successful bowlers, while medium pacers Marijane Cup (3) and Nadine de Clarke (3) have also chipped in with useful spells.
Squads
Promoted
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, Sushma Verma, Nuzhat Parveen, Ayushi Soni, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gaekwad, Poonam Yadav. Patel, c. Pratyusha, Simran Dil Bahadur.
South Africa: Sune Luce (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Shabineem Ismail, Laura Volhardt, Trisha Chetty, Sinalo Zeta, Tasmin Britz, Marijane Cups, Nondiciso Shangze, Lizelle Lee, Anneke Bosch, Faye Tuncliffe, Nonkulcole, Luncula, Nonkullukhe
Topics mentioned in this article
.
Add Comment