The South African women’s cricket team is set to embark on a highly-anticipated multi-format tour of India, with the journey commencing this Sunday, June 15. India will host the first of the three One Day Internationals (ODIs) at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This series stands as a crucial early preparation for both teams ahead of the next ICC ODI World Cup, slated for 2025.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian squad hopes to redeem itself following a disappointing 0-3 series loss against Australia earlier this year. Despite their spectacular 5-0 triumph over Bangladesh in T20I matches in April-May, the Indian team recognizes that facing South Africa in ODIs presents a distinctly challenging task. India’s recent record against South Africa in ODIs has been less than stellar, with only one win in their last five encounters. Their last meeting in March 2022 concluded in a last-ball thriller, where India narrowly failed to defend a target of 274 runs.
In contrast, the South African women’s team faces its own set of challenges, particularly in securing an automatic qualification for the next year’s World Cup in India. The team managed to secure a draw in their last ODI assignment against Sri Lanka in April. However, they now find themselves stepping into a new era following the recent resignation of head coach Hilton Moreeng.
For fans eager to catch all the action, the entire ODI series will be broadcast live in India on the Sports18 1 TV channel. Additionally, the matches can be streamed free online via the JioCinema app and website.
. South African viewers can tune into the SuperSports Variety channels to follow their team’s performance.
India is fielding a diverse and talented squad for this series. The team includes seasoned players and promising newcomers who are vying to make a mark on the international stage.
The full Indian women’s ODI squad is as follows:
– Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
– Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain)
– Shafali Verma
– Deepti Sharma
– Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
– Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper)
– Dayalan Hemalatha
– Radha Yadav
– Asha Sobhana
– Shreyanka Patil
– Saika Ishaque
– Renuka Singh Thakur
– Arundhati Reddy
– Priya Punia
– Jemimah Rodrigues (subject to fitness)
– Pooja Vastrakar (subject to fitness)
For the South African contingent, the ODI squad brings together a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt:
– Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
– Anneke Bosch
– Tazmin Brits
– Nadine de Klerk
– Annerie Dercksen
– Mieke de Ridder (wicketkeeper)
– Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper)
– Marizanne Kapp
– Ayabonga Khaka
– Masabata Klaas
– Suné Luus
– Eliz-Mari Marx
– Nonkululeko Mlaba
– Tumi Sekhukhune
– Nondumiso Shangase
– Delmi Tucker
This ODI series not only serves as a platform for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and lineup but also promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Fans on both sides will be watching closely as these two talented teams clash with the dual objectives of immediate victory and long-term preparation for the World Cup.
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As cricket continues to unite fans across continents, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this series are palpable. The South African women’s tour of India is set to add yet another fascinating chapter to the ever-evolving narrative of women’s cricket. Both teams are geared up, the stage is set, and the cricketing world awaits the first ball with bated breath.
