INDW vs NZW: 1st ODI Preview – India keen to regroup after a disappointing World Cup
India Women will take on New Zealand Women in the 1st ODI of their 2024 series at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 24. Both teams are eager to start the series on a high note. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will aim to leverage their home advantage. Key players like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will look to make a significant impact, while the bowling department will rely on Renuka Singh and Radha Yadav.
On the other hand, the White Ferns are on top of the world after winning their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. The New Zealand side, under Sophie Devine’s leadership, brings a balanced squad with veterans like Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr alongside emerging talents. The White Ferns will be keen to build on their past success against India, having won 29 of their previous 54 ODI encounters. However, the Indians will be aiming to reverse their 2022 series loss and demonstrate their growing strength in women’s cricket.
This series is also an opportunity for several fresh faces in the Indian squad, including Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor, and Tejal Hasabnis, who have received maiden ODI call-ups. Fans can catch all the action live on Sports 18 or stream it on the JioCinema app from 1:30 PM IST.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is expected to be batting-friendly, offering good pace and bounce. Traditionally, this surface has provided excellent support for stroke play, which should aid both teams’ top-order batters. However, as the match progresses, spinners may come into play due to the dry conditions typical in this region. The team winning the toss may prefer to bat first, looking to post a competitive total and then allow the spinners to exploit any turn later in the game.
Probable Playing XI
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur Singh, Sayali Satghare, Saima Thakor.
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Isabella Gaze (WK), Lauren Down, Fran Jonas, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Ker
