Cricket

Second ODI between India and South Africa’s women: India will aim for an unstoppable advantage over South Africa

Published

1 week ago

June 19, 2024

In her previous six ODI trips to the crease, opener Shafali Verma has scored 21 runs, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur has scored 41 from five

India will try to wrap up the series when it plays South Africa in the second match on June 19 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India won the first ODI by a dominant 143 runs.

In the opening match, all-rounders Deepti Sharma (37) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 n.o.) supported Smriti Mandhana, who batted brilliantly for a century (117). Following that, the bowlers, led by Asha Sobhana (4/21), pinned the visitors.

The think tank will, if anything, look to get better from its middle-order hitters. In her previous six ODI trips to the wicket, opener Shafali Verma has scored 21 runs, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur has scored 41 from five. It is essential that the pair perform well.

Concern was raised when Pooja Vastrakar, 24, clutched her left knee while fielding and leaving the field during the first match. However, the 24-year-old bowled in the nets on Tuesday, though it’s unclear if she’s fit for the match.

Conversely, South Africa’s performance will require a significant improvement. India’s batting unraveled as it crumpled for 122 after letting them off the hook at 99 for five. Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp all received starts but failed to convert them.

The Proteas will have a full roster to select from, which is one advantage. During the pre-match briefing, pacer Nadine de Klerk declared that the illness that had prevented herself and at least three other women from participating in Sunday’s game was now behind her. The 24-year-old, nevertheless, remained silent regarding Kapp’s comeback to bowling after suffering a back ailment.

Since this is a midweek match, there could not be a lot of fans present in the stands. Those that do show up will look to get their money’s worth while simultaneously hope that the weather holds off, as it has done for the entire week.