Mumbai, India – In a significant development for women’s cricket, the Women’s Selection Committee has announced the Indian squads for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series against Australia. Sponsored by IDFC First Bank, the tour includes three ODIs and three T20Is, promising a thrilling cricketing spectacle.
ODI Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The ODI team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, boasts a mix of seasoned and emerging talents. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, along with key players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, and all-rounder Deepti Sharma, will be pivotal in India’s batting lineup. Yastika Bhatia and Richa Ghosh, as wicketkeepers, bring agility behind the stumps and in the batting order. The squad is further bolstered by promising talents like Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, and others, ensuring a balanced side capable of challenging the formidable Australian team.
ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol
T20I Squad: Agility and Power-Hitting on Display
The T20I squad, also captained by Harmanpreet, mirrors the ODI team in its core structure. Notable inclusions like Kanika Ahuja and Minnu Mani add to the squad’s depth, especially in the game’s shortest format, where agility and power-hitting are crucial. The team’s composition reflects a strategic mix, aiming to capitalize on the format’s dynamics.
T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Kanika Ahuja, Minnu Mani
Venues and Schedules: A Cricketing Fiesta at Iconic Stadiums
The ODI series will commence on December 28, 2023, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with subsequent matches on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024. The T20I series shifts to DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, with matches scheduled for January 5, 7, and 9, 2024.
India Women vs Australia Women (ODI Series Schedule) | ||||
S. No. | Date | Time | Match | Venue |
1 | 28-Dec-23 | 01.30 PM IST | ODI | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
2 | 30-Dec-23 | 01.30 PM IST | ODI | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
3 | 02-Jan-24 | 01.30 PM IST | ODI | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
India Women vs Australia Women (T20I Series Schedule) | ||||
1 | 05-Jan-24 | 07.00 PM IST | T20I | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
2 | 07-Jan-24 | 07.00 PM IST | T20I | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
3 | 09-Jan-24 | 07.00 PM IST | T20I | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai |
The series is more than just a set of matches; it’s a showcase of the growing stature and competitiveness of women’s cricket globally. With both teams featuring top-ranked players in various cricketing disciplines, the series is expected to offer high-quality cricket and thrilling contests.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The Indian team faces a tough challenge against the Australians, known for their aggressive and strategic gameplay. However, the Indian squad’s recent performances and their blend of experience and emerging talent make them a formidable opponent.
As fans eagerly await the series, the matches are set to be a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s cricket, highlighting skill, resilience, and the spirit of competition at its best. Stay tuned for what promises to be an enthralling series full of memorable moments and cricketing brilliance.