India vs New Zealand Women ODI series 2024 is set to kick off on October 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This series comes on the heels of New Zealand’s recent triumph in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking a significant achievement for the White Ferns. As they embark on this tour, they will face a determined Indian squad eager to leverage home advantage and improve their standing against a historically competitive opponent.

Preparations for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 begins

The series consists of three ODIs and serves as a vital preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India. The last encounter between these two sides in ODIs saw New Zealand winning convincingly by 4-1.

With both teams looking to assert dominance early in the upcoming ODIs, fans can expect competitive matches filled with high-quality cricket. The Indian side will aim to capitalize on home conditions, while New Zealand seeks to maintain their winning momentum from previous encounters.

Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Complete list of award winners and the prize money

India’s best starting XI for the ODI series against New Zealand:

1. Smriti Mandhana

Position: Opening Batter
Expectations: As the vice-captain and one of the leading openers, Mandhana is expected to provide a solid start, utilizing her aggressive stroke play to dominate bowlers in the powerplay.
Strengths: Known for her elegant left-handed batting style, she can score quickly and effectively against both pace and spin.

2. Shafali Verma

Position: Opening Batter
Expectations: Verma is anticipated to partner with Mandhana at the top of the order, aiming to put pressure on the opposition with her fearless approach.
Strengths: Her explosive batting allows her to take on any bowler, making her a key player in the early overs.

3. Jemimah Rodrigues

Position: Middle-Order Batter
Expectations: Rodrigues is expected to stabilize the innings after the openers, providing both aggression and finesse in her batting.
Strengths: A versatile player, she can adapt her style according to match situations and is adept at rotating the strike.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (C)

Position: Middle-Order Batter
Expectations: As captain and a crucial middle-order batsman, Kaur is expected to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed.
Strengths: Her ability to play big innings under pressure makes her a match-winner; she has a strong track record in ODIs.

5. Deepti Sharma

Position: All-Rounder
Expectations: Sharma is expected to contribute significantly with both bat and ball, providing balance to the team.
Strengths: An effective spin bowler and a capable middle-order batter, she excels in both disciplines, making her invaluable.

6. Yastika Bhatia (WK)

Position: Wicketkeeper-Batter
Expectations: Bhatia will be expected to score runs quickly in the lower middle order while also fulfilling her duties behind the stumps.
Strengths: Her ability to play aggressively and keep wickets proficiently adds depth to the batting lineup.

7. Dayalan Hemalatha

Position: All-Rounder
Expectations: Hemalatha is anticipated to provide useful contributions with both bat and ball, particularly in middle overs.
Strengths: She has shown capability with both bat and ball, making crucial breakthroughs and contributing runs when needed.

8. Radha Yadav

Position: Spinner
Expectations: Yadav is expected to maintain pressure during middle overs and take key wickets.
Strengths: Known for her control and wicket-taking ability, she can be particularly effective on turning tracks.

9. Renuka Singh Thakur

Position: Fast Bowler
Expectations: Thakur will lead the pace attack, aiming to make early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Strengths: A swing bowler with good pace, she can exploit conditions effectively and trouble batsmen early in their innings.

10. Tejal Hasabnis

Position: Fast Bowler
Expectations: Hasabnis is expected to support Thakur in building pressure through disciplined bowling.
Strengths: Her ability to bowl economically while picking up wickets makes her an important asset in the bowling lineup.

11. Shreyanka Patil

Position: All-Rounder
Expectations: Patil is expected to contribute lower down the order with quick runs and provide additional bowling options.
Strengths: A dynamic batter who can accelerate towards the end of innings coupled with off-spin bowling capabilities.

Also READ: New Zealand announces WODI squad for India tour; Polly Inglis receives maiden call-up

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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