IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI Preview [Source: @WHITE_FERNS/x.com]

After a disappointing exit from the recent Women's T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian women's cricket team is gearing up to face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series. The first clash is set to unfold on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The series offers the Indian team a chance to settle scores, especially against a New Zealand side that handed them a heavy defeat in their T20 World Cup opener.

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI: Match Details And Live Streaming

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI: Indian Women Seek Redemption Against New Zealand Women 

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy, the Indian team will be itching to get back on track. Mandhana, in particular, will be keen to find form after a slump.

The squad also features experienced players like Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues, alongside newcomers Sayali Satgare and Priya Mishra, who will be ready to make their mark in their debut ODI series.

The team will miss the services of wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who is prioritizing her education, appearing for her 12th standard board exams, and Asha Sobhana due to an injury. Pooja Vastrakar is also being rested, handing Yastika Bhatia the wicket-keeping responsibilities for this series.

This series will also see the introduction of several fresh faces including seam-bowling all-rounder Saima Thakor and middle-order batter Tejal Hasabnis, enhancing the team's youthful energy. They join the ranks alongside veterans who are expected to anchor the team's core as they aim to move on from the defeat and start the series on a winning note.

The visiting New Zealand team, still buzzing from their T20 World Cup victory, arrives in India with high morale. Led by Sophie Devine and backed by stalwarts like Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu, the squad looks formidable. Amelia Kerr, who clinched the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup, will be a key player to watch.

The squad has seen minimal changes with only Rosemary Mair and Leigh Kasperek missing out, giving room for newcomers like Polly Inglis to shine. The White Ferns will look to continue with the winning momentum and kick-off the series with a bang.

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IND-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI Pitch Report | How Will The Surface At Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium Behave?

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IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI Pitch report: Batting-Friendly Conditions Await at Narendra Modi Stadium

The Narendra Modi Stadium promises a bat-friendly wicket with a fast outfield that benefits the batters, particularly in the first innings where the average score sits at 243 across 31 ODIs. While spinners are expected to come into play as the game progresses, pacers will need to exploit the new ball and pace variations effectively. Historical data suggests a slight advantage for teams chasing, as 16 out of 31 matches have been won by the team batting second. This could influence the captain's decision at the toss, likely opting to field first to take advantage of the conditions under lights.

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI: Key Players And Stats

• Harmanpreet Kaur: 284 runs in four matches at Narendra Modi Stadium, Average: 84.00, SR: 77.30
• Smriti Mandhana: 48 runs in two matches at Narendra Modi Stadium, Average: 24.00, SR: 73.84
• Amelia Kerr: 444 runs in 10 matches in ODIs vs India, Average: 74.00, SR: 88.44; 13 wickets
• Sophie Devine: 438 runs in 10 matches in ODIs in India, Average: 36.50, SR: 73.24
• Deepti Sharma: 247 runs in 13 matches in ODIs vs New Zealand, Average: 30.87, SR: 62.53; 20 wickets

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI: Probable Playing XIs

India Women’s Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, S Sajana, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana and Renuka Thakur Singh.

New Zealand Women’s Probable XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Sophie Devine (c), Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu

IN-W vs NZ-W 1st ODI: Winner Prediction

Considering the home advantage and familiarity with the conditions, India Women are the favourites to win this clash.

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