India will aim to clinch the three-match ODI series against South Africa when the two teams meet in the second match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 19. The hosts hold a 1-0 lead after their commanding 143-run victory in the series opener.
In the first encounter, Smriti Mandhana led India's batting with a magnificent century (117), ably supported by all-rounders Deepti Sharma (37) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 n.o.). The bowlers, spearheaded by debutant Asha Sobhana (4/21), then restricted South Africa to a paltry 122.
However, India's top-order batters will be under scrutiny in the second match. Opener Shafali Verma has struggled in recent ODIs, scoring just 21 runs in her last six innings, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has managed only 41 runs in five matches. The duo will need to step up and provide a solid foundation for the middle order.
Pooja Vastrakar's fitness will also be a concern for India. The 24-year-old left the field with a knee injury during the first ODI, but she bowled in the nets on Tuesday. Her availability for the second match remains uncertain.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first match. After letting India off the hook from 99 for five, their batting collapsed, with only Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp making starts.
The Proteas will have a full squad to choose from for the second ODI. Pacer Nadine de Klerk confirmed that the illness that had sidelined several players, including herself, in the first match is now behind them. However, she remained tight-lipped about Kapp's return to bowling following a back injury.
With the series on the line, both teams are expected to field their strongest possible lineups. India will be confident of sealing the series victory, while South Africa will be determined to level the score and force a decider in the third match.
Tags: #Cricket, #WomensODI, #SmritiMandhana, #PoojaVastrakar, #AshaSobhana
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