Related Articles
In the first ODI, India emerged victorious thanks to a well-constructed century by Smriti Mandhana and disciplined bowling from the Indian spinners. As the teams prepare to face off again on June 19th at the same venue, South Africa will aim to level the series, while India will look to maintain their dominant form in home conditions.
Teams Preview
India Preview
India’s performance in the first ODI was a tale of resilience. Opting to bat first, they found themselves struggling at 99 for 5. However, a record-breaking lower-order partnership turned the game around. Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding 117, her first ODI century at home, was instrumental in lifting India to a competitive total of 265 for 8. Contributions from Deepti Sharma (37 off 48) and Pooja Vastrakar (31* off 42) were crucial in this recovery.
The Indian bowlers then delivered a stellar performance. Deepti Sharma was economical and effective, while debutant Asha Sobhana’s 4 for 21 dismantled the South African batting lineup, securing a comfortable win for India.
India Predicted Playing XI:
- Smriti Mandhana
- Shafali Verma
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Dayalan Hemalatha
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Richa Ghosh (wk)
- Deepti Sharma
- Pooja Vastrakar
- Radha Yadav
- Asha Sobhana
- Renuka Thakur Singh
South Africa Preview
South Africa’s performance in the first ODI was underwhelming. Their batters struggled to cope with the Indian spinners, with only Sune Luus (33 off 58) showing some resistance. The team needs significant improvements to pose a challenge in the second ODI.
Experienced players like Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp will need to step up. Wolvaardt, in particular, has been in good form and can make a big impact. On the bowling front, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, and Annerie Dercksen showed promise but lacked consistent support.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
- Laura Wolvaardt (c)
- Tazmin Brits
- Anneke Bosch
- Sune Luus
- Marizanne Kapp
- Annerie Dercksen
- Nondumiso Shangase
- Sinalo Jafta (wk)
- Masabata Klaas
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Ayabonga Khaka
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The M.Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch is generally good for batting, but it offers something for the bowlers throughout. Seam bowlers can expect bounce with the new ball, while spinners will be crucial in the middle overs. The ball tends to turn more under lights, making chasing difficult.
Weather: A thunderstorm is expected in the afternoon, which could disrupt play.
Pitch Report: The average first-innings score in women’s ODIs at this venue is 172. Teams should aim for a score around 250 to feel safe.
Toss Prediction: The team winning the toss will likely choose to bat first, given the difficulties in chasing under lights.
Winning Prediction
India Women have the upper hand with a strong start in the series. South Africa needs to adapt quickly to the conditions and improve their batting against spinners. While South Africa is a strong team, India’s familiarity with home conditions and their potent spin attack make them favorites for the second ODI.
Prediction: India Women to win