India Hands Debut to Priya Mishra as New Zealand Chooses to Bat First in Second ODI
October 27, 2024 - Ahmedabad, India
The second ODI between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad promises to be a high-stakes affair as both teams made strategic changes to their line-ups. After losing the first ODI by 59 runs, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat, aiming to level the three-match series and gain crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship.
New Zealand made two changes to their side, with a forced replacement due to injury. Star allrounder Amelia Kerr has been ruled out of the rest of the series as well as most of the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after tearing her left quadricep muscle. Left-arm spinner Fran Jonas stepped into her spot, adding variety to the New Zealand bowling attack. The other change saw experienced right-arm pacer Lea Tahuhu replace Molly Penfold, who had struggled with cramps in the first ODI and went wicketless for 28 runs.
For India, regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur returned to the squad after sitting out the first ODI due to a minor niggle. She replaced D Hemalatha, strengthening India’s batting and bringing back her invaluable leadership on the field. The hosts also debuted young legspinner Priya Mishra, who has already shown immense potential. Recently, she impressed on the India A tour of Australia, bagging six wickets in an unofficial Test in Gold Coast, followed by a five-wicket haul in a one-dayer. Her selection comes as no surprise, as she was also the leading wicket-taker in the 2023-24 senior women’s one-day trophy.
India currently leads the series 1-0 and will look to seal the series with a win in this match. New Zealand, however, are determined to bounce back and keep the series alive. Their performance is crucial, as only the top five teams, along with hosts India, will directly qualify for next year’s World Cup. New Zealand currently sits sixth in the standings, making today’s match critical for their tournament hopes.
Teams:
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Lauren Down, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with both sides showcasing new talents and experienced players ready to make their mark. The series has already delivered intense action, and today's game promises nothing less.
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