The Indian women's cricket team is set to face off against the West Indies in the third match of the T20I tri-series at the Buffalo Park Stadium in East London on Monday night. Despite missing key players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Thakur, and Shikha Pandey, India managed to secure a 27-run win over hosts South Africa in the first match of the tri-series.
In that match, a 76-run partnership between Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur helped India reach a respectable 147, after being 69/5 at one stage. Amanjot was the star of the match, making a fine 30-ball 41 not out after coming out to bat at number seven. Deepti also had an all-round performance, making a 23-ball 33 and taking 3/30 with her off-spin, with other spinners coming good too.
This tri-series holds significance for India as it is their last tournament before the Women's T20 World Cup begins in South Africa on February 10. Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, despite missing out on the tri-series, stand to gain sufficient experience of playing in South African conditions through their participation in the ongoing inaugural edition of U19 Women's T20 World Cup.
The West Indies, on the other hand, need serious improvements in all aspects of the game if they are to give India a tough challenge. The middle-order hasn't clicked for them, while the top-order is yet to make any significant contributions, especially in the opening combination.
In addition to their batting struggles, the West Indies will also need to improve their bowling and fielding if they hope to challenge India. The Indian team has been known for their strong all-round performance, and the West Indies will need to match that in order to secure a win.
The West Indies will also need to address their lack of consistency in their game. In their last T20I series against Bangladesh, they were able to secure a win in the first match but then went on to lose the next two. This lack of consistency has also been an issue in their last few series and will need to be addressed if they want to challenge India.
India, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their winning momentum and solidify their spot at the top of the table. They will be eager to maintain their strong performance from the first match and will be looking to capitalize on the West Indies' weaknesses. India will also be looking to fine-tune their game before the Women's T20 World Cup, which is set to begin in South Africa on February 10.
Overall, this match between India and the West Indies is shaping up to be an exciting one with both teams looking to secure a win and improve their position in the tri-series. India will be looking to continue their winning streak and solidify their spot at the top of the table, while the West Indies will be looking to make a comeback and challenge India.
Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (Vice Captain), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Radha Yadav, Renuka Thakur, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Sushma Verma (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, Sabbhineni Meghana, Sneh Rana and Shikha Pandey
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Chedean Nation, Cherry Ann Fraser, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams