Ahmedabad, October 26, 2024 – The Indian Women’s Cricket Team faces a high-stakes challenge as they prepare to take on New Zealand in the third and final ODI of the series in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. After an impressive bowling performance clinched the first game, India’s batting has shown vulnerabilities that came to the forefront in the second ODI, where the team fell short by 77 runs in their chase of 260.
Despite a valiant ninth-wicket stand of 70 runs between Radha Yadav and Saima Thakor, India’s batting lineup will need to find stability. So far, none of the Indian batters have crossed the 50-run mark in either of the first two matches. Radha’s highest score of 48 in the second ODI remains the best individual effort, indicating a need for top-order consistency if India hopes to clinch the series.
The pressure will be on India’s front-line batters, including Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, to deliver a solid start. Mandhana, especially, has struggled for form and will be aiming to make a comeback in the decisive match. The middle order, featuring Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Tejal Hasabnis, also holds the potential to build the innings, provided the top order lays a strong foundation.
Bowlers Maintain Momentum
India’s bowlers have shown impressive form throughout the series. Despite a challenging target of 260 in the last game, the Indian attack managed to restrict New Zealand’s batting momentum at critical stages. Radha Yadav has emerged as a standout performer, securing a four-wicket haul in the second ODI to follow her three-wicket tally in the first match. With Lea Tahuhu’s addition strengthening New Zealand’s pace attack, India’s bowlers, led by Radha, will be crucial in controlling the flow of runs.
Teams for the Final ODI
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Thakur Singh, Radha Yadav, Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, Amanjot Kaur, Anjali Sarvani, Taniyaa Bhatia, Yastika Bhatia.
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Lauren Down, Brooke Halliday, Katey Martin (WK), Hayley Jensen, Jess Kerr, Fran Jonas, Hannah Rowe, Molly Penfold, Lea Tahuhu, Izzy Gaze, Georgia Plimmer.
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are determined to close the series on a high. India will be eager to see their batting order rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting series decider.
