IND-W Vs ENG-W, 2nd ODI: In-Form India Eye Series-Winning Lead At Lord's
India are aiming for an unassailable 2-0 lead against England in their ongoing bilateral ODI series after having clinched the first match by four wickets.
Armed with a roster of match-winners, India aims to maintain their impressive momentum ahead of the upcoming World Cup as they face England in the potentially decisive second and penultimate women's ODI on Saturday.
India secured a four-wicket victory in the opener at Southampton, and a win at Lord's would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This would further extend their recent winning streak in the format, which includes a tri-series triumph involving Sri Lanka and South Africa in May.
These matches against England are crucial as they serve as key preparation for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, which India will host later this year.
With numerous players delivering standout performances, the competition for spots in the World Cup squad is intensifying, presenting a welcome challenge for India coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
The management has a wealth of options for various roles, and the team's depth and bench strength have never been stronger.
In the absence of pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar due to injuries, the team opted for Kranti Gaud over the slightly more experienced Arundhati Reddy. The 21-year-old newcomer impressed by taking two crucial wickets in the opener, sharing the new ball with fellow rookie Amanjot Kaur.
Pratika Rawal has emerged as the preferred choice to open alongside Smriti Mandhana, while Shafali Verma remains in contention following her form in T20 Internationals, the Women's Premier League (WPL), and domestic cricket.
Harleen Deol is also performing well, and should Shafali return to the playing XI soon, Rawal might be moved down to the number three slot.
However, accommodating Deol in a lineup that includes Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh could prove challenging.
The spin department also boasts significant depth, with left-arm spinner N Shree Charani joining Deepti, Sneha Rana, and Radha Yadav.
Charani was named Player of the Series in the preceding T20I series for leading the wickets tally with 10 scalps.
Following her Rishabh Pant-like one-handed six during a match-winning half-century in the first ODI, senior all-rounder Deepti will be the centre of attention on Saturday.
Having ticked almost all the boxes on this tour, including winning their maiden T20I series on English soil, a victory in the ODI series would further bolster India's preparations and morale ahead of the global showpiece starting on September 30.
For England, they will need to step up and find a way to start winning matches.
The result in the opener marked India's fifth consecutive ODI victory on English soil.
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare.
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith.
The match starts at 3:30pm IST.
With PTI Inputs
First Published:
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