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India Women head into the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa Women at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on July 5th brimming with confidence. After dominant victories in both the ODI and one-off Test series, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will be looking to complete a clean sweep.
Dominant India Women Eye Another Win
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the in-form opening pair, will be crucial for India’s batting success. Mandhana has been leading the way with the bat, amassing over 650 runs in T20Is since last year. Daylan Hemalatha, with her recent strike rate of over 140, provides further firepower in the middle order.
Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, and Jemimah Rodrigues add experience and stability to the batting line-up. Deepti Sharma’s wicket-taking prowess and Radha Yadav’s recent success in the Bangladesh T20I series will lead the bowling attack. Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar round out a well-balanced bowling unit.
India Predicted Playing XI:
Smriti Mandana, Shafali Verma, Daylan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana.
South Africa Women Seek Redemption
South Africa Women will be desperate to bounce back after their ODI and Test series defeats. Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits will look to provide a solid start with the bat. Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luss, and Anneke Bosch offer experience in the middle order, with Nadine de Klerk’s recent bowling form a positive sign.
However, the bowling attack remains a concern for the visitors. Nonkululeko Mlaba and Masabata Klaas will need to step up, and all eyes will be on Marizanne Kapp to provide crucial support with the ball. The return of Chloe Tryon, known for her big-hitting abilities, could be a game-changer for South Africa.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
Laura Wolvadaart, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luss, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Mieke de Ridder, Ayabonga Khaka.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
A cloudy and humid day is expected with a high chance of rain. The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium is traditionally slow and low, favoring spinners later in the innings. Teams batting first tend to have an advantage, with an average first-innings score of 150.
India Hold the Edge
While rain may play a role, India appears to be the clear favorite. Their recent form, coupled with a strong batting line-up and a well-rounded bowling attack, gives them a significant edge. South Africa will need a near-perfect performance to snatch victory from the confident hosts.
Prediction: India Women to win