IND-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Harmanpreet likely to return in series opener at new Kotambi Stadium
IND-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Harmanpreet likely to return in series opener at new Kotambi Stadium
In a clear indication that she could return to the team for India’s first women’s ODI against the West Indies here on Sunday, Harmanpreet Kaur had a long batting session in the nets.
As head coach Amol Muzumdar closely monitored the session under lights, Harmanpreet, who missed out on the last two T20Is due to a knee niggle, looked at ease while facing the net bowlers.
Harmanpreet’s return will bolster the team’s batting line-up and the Women in Blue will be hoping to extend their winning run at the Kotambi Stadium which hosts its maiden international fixture.
On a black soil surface, the fast bowlers will have a role to play, and keeping that in mind, pacers Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu and Saima Thakor had an extensive session on the eve of the game.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews expected her unit to step up. “The bowlers would possibly have a role, but we need to see how the wicket is. In the nets, there was a bit on offer for the bowlers, but we can come here tomorrow, and there can be a completely flat wicket. Accessing the conditions quickly will be important for us,” she said.
India coach Muzumdar agreed that ‘dew will play a factor’, he was confident that his team will be able to adapt to the conditions well.
“Dew is a factor and there’s no doubt about it. In T20Is, we saw it played a major role. But toss is not in our hands, and we can go out and play some good cricket,” Muzumdar said, hoping that there won’t be much change in the pitch as the match progresses. “Maybe in the second half, it might play a bit differently once dew settles in, but we will have to adjust…”
India would want to make the most of Smriti Mandhana’s red-hot form and get off to a good start with the willow. While she became the highest run-scorer in a calendar year in women’s T20I, with a tally of 763 runs in 2024, having scored three consecutive fifties in the series against West Indies, Smriti has had an enviable year in the ODIs as well, where she has 599 runs at an average of 60.
However, there are concerns over the fitness of Jemimah Rodrigues, who experienced some discomfort in her neck. While the team trained, Jemimah was seen working with the physio.
If Jemimah fails to recover in time, the team management could consider either Tejal Hasabnis or Harleen Deol to bolster the middle-order.
“We have enough passion in the team, and there’s a perfect blend of youth and experience. We are confident of playing to our potential in the series,” coach Muzumdar.
The visiting team will be once again pinning its hopes on Deandra Dottin and captain Hayley Matthews, who amassed 308 runs in seven games this season.
However, the West Indies bowlers need to raise their game several notches to combat a formidable Indian batting line-up.
