India Opt to Field First in Series Opener Against South Africa Women’s Cricket Team

Chennai, India: India kicked off the five-match T20I series against South Africa by choosing to field first after winning the toss at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted for a three-pronged spin attack to utilize the turning potential of the black-soil Chepauk pitch. This is India’s first-ever women’s T20I at this historic venue.

Surprise Spin Selection and Hemalatha Gets Another Chance

The Indian team management surprised many by excluding off-spinner Shreyanka Patil from the playing XI. Instead, they went with the left-arm spin of Radha Yadav, who impressed as Player of the Series in the recent Bangladesh series. Deepti Sharma and Asha Sobhana join Yadav to form the spin trio.

In the batting order, D Hemalatha gets another opportunity to solidify the number 3 position with Yastika Bhatia still recovering from an injury. Hemalatha impressed with positive returns in four of the five matches played in Bangladesh. Notably, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh celebrated a special milestone, playing in her 50th T20I for India.

South Africa Bolstered by Tryon’s Return

While India opted to field first, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed no disappointment. The Proteas welcomed the crucial return of all-rounder Chloe Tryon, who missed the initial part of the tour due to a back injury. Additionally, opener Tazmin Brits rejoined the squad after overcoming an illness that forced her to miss the one-off Test match.

Final Preparations for the T20 World Cup

This T20I series serves as a crucial preparation stage for both teams leading into the T20 World Cup scheduled for Bangladesh in October. While India has the Women’s Asia Cup coming up later this month, this might be South Africa’s final series before the World Cup.

India Aiming for a Tour Sweep

Team India is eyeing a clean sweep of the entire tour after dominating the ODI series 3-0 and securing a convincing victory in the one-off Test last week.

India Playing XI:

• Shafali Verma
• Smriti Mandhana
• Dayalan Hemalatha
• Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
• Jemimah Rodrigues
• Richa Ghosh (wk)
• Deepti Sharma
• Pooja Vastrakar
• Radha Yadav
• Asha Sobhana
• Renuka Singh

South Africa Playing XI:

• Laura Wolvaardt (c)
• Tazmin Brits
• Marizanne Kapp
• Anneke Bosch
• Chloe Tryon
• Nadine de Klerk
• Annerie Dercksen
• Eliz-Mari Marx
• Sinalo Jafta (wk)
• Ayabonga Khaka
• Nonkululeko Mlaba