NEW DELHI: India will be hoping for a more polished performance from their top-order batters in the second women's ODI against South Africa on Wednesday, as they aim to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite a commanding 143-run victory in the first game, India's win highlighted some areas of concern in their batting lineup. The most notable issue is the continued struggles of opener Shafali Verma in ODI cricket, with her last fifty coming back in 2022 against Sri Lanka. Over the past six matches, Verma's scores have been consistently low: 1, 8, 0, 4, 1, 7.
The young opener will need to produce a significant innings soon to maintain her position in the team.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and top-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who recently returned from a back injury, will also be looking to contribute more with the bat after a series of low scores.
They can take inspiration from vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, whose sixth ODI century in the first game showcased her adaptability and skill in challenging circumstances.
India's bowlers performed well as a unit in the first ODI, with debutante leg-spinner Asha Shobhana claiming 4/21. However, the team will be monitoring the fitness of pacer Pooja Vastrakar, who left the field in the 18th over of South Africa's innings due to what was later described as cramps.
If needed, Arundhati Reddy could serve as a like-for-like replacement.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be seeking an improved performance from their batters, who struggled against the Indian spinners on a slow Chinnaswamy pitch.
The visiting team will need to find a way to counter the threat posed by Asha, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav, who shared seven wickets among them in the first game.
It will be crucial for South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who was dismissed in the first over of the opening match, to find her form and lead from the front.
Teams:India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetri (WK), Dayalan Hemlatha, Radha Yadav, Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Priya Punia.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marz, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukune, Nondumiso Shangase, Delmi Tucker.