After emerging victorious in the three-match ODI series, Team India will be high on confidence as they get ready to face New Zealand Women in a three-match T20I series. The last time the two sides met, in the WT20 Cup last November, the Indian team had come out trumps rather convincingly, after an unbeaten century from Harmanpreet Kaur pushed India over the line.
However, it would be unwise to rule out the White Ferns, especially because they are playing in their home conditions. Players like Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine are proven match-winners in the format for a while now, and after a splendid run in the recent Women's Big Bash League, they will be eager to continue their form forward.
The Indian side will need to sort out their batting woes, however. Except for Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet and on occasions Jemimah Rodrigues, the batting unit has looked inconsistent and has failed to perform together. With question marks still hovering over the spot that Mithali Raj should play in, the Women in Blue will hope to sort out their prevailing issues with just over a year to go for the next T20 World Cup.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Katy Martin (8.5 credits)
Though both Martin and Taniya Bhatia have been inconsistent in the last few months, the former pips Bhatia for a place in the XI. Bhatia bats lower down the order, and might not get adequate chances to score many runs, which can affect the number of points that she
After emerging victorious in the three-match ODI series, Team India will be high on confidence as they get ready to face New Zealand Women in a three-match T20I series. The last time the two sides met, in the WT20 Cup last November, the Indian team had come out trumps rather convincingly, after an unbeaten century from Harmanpreet Kaur pushed India over the line.
However, it would be unwise to rule out the White Ferns, especially because they are playing in their home conditions. Players like Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine are proven match-winners in the format for a while now, and after a splendid run in the recent Women's Big Bash League, they will be eager to continue their form forward.
The Indian side will need to sort out their batting woes, however. Except for Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet and on occasions Jemimah Rodrigues, the batting unit has looked inconsistent and has failed to perform together. With question marks still hovering over the spot that Mithali Raj should play in, the Women in Blue will hope to sort out their prevailing issues with just over a year to go for the next T20 World Cup.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Katy Martin (8.5 credits)
Though both Martin and Taniya Bhatia have been inconsistent in the last few months, the former pips Bhatia for a place in the XI. Bhatia bats lower down the order, and might not get adequate chances to score many runs, which can affect the number of points that she earns. Martin on the other hand will know the conditions better and can be counted on to make use of her opportunities.
Batsman: Smriti Mandhana (10.5 credits)
Both teams have solid batters, and Mandhana faced a stiff competition in this department from fellow countryman Harmanpreet and Kiwi's Suzie Bates. However Mandhana will be high on confidence after bagging the Player of the Series award in the ODIs, and her attacking instinct makes her dangerous, especially in the Powerplay overs. Mandhana had had a good season in the Kia Super League earlier last year and was even part of the Women's Big Bash League, which proves that she is no pushover in the format.
All-rounder: Sophie Devine(10.5 credits)
Devine is a must-pick in the team, and her recent performances in the WBBL have pushed her further towards greatness. The all-rounder, playing for the Adelaide Strikers Women, was the sole consistent performer for her side, scoring 556 runs at an average of 46.33 and a strike-rate of 136.60. With the ball, she managed to scalp 14 wickets and though her economy rate was over 8.5, her ability to strike in crucial moments made her valuable.
Bowler: Poonam Yadav (9.5 credits)
Poonam Yadav has been her side's go-to bowler in the format in the last one year or so. With a stunning bowling average of 13.62 in 48 T20Is, Yadav has shown her mettle across all conditions, and she will be expected to rise to the occasion again. Though the small grounds in New Zealand could go against her favour, she has many variations that can bamboozle her rivals. Yadav picked up 6 wickets in the ODI series, and she will want to end the tour with a few more scalps.
Captain: Sophie Devine
Vice-captain: Poonam Yadav
Predicted Playing XI:
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Amy Satterthwaite (c), Katey Martin (wk), Frances Mackay, Leigh Kasperek, Caitlin Gurrey, Hayley Jensen, Hannah Rowe, Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu
India Women: Mithali Raj, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Taniya Bhatia (wk), Priya Punia, Deepti Sharma, Shikha Pandey, Mansi Joshi, Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav
