Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report For IND-W vs IRE-W 2nd ODI

Jatin

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @BCCIWomen/x.com]Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report [Source: @BCCIWomen/x.com]

India Women (IND-W) and Ireland Women (IRE-W) will lock horns in the second of the three-match ODI series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday, January 12.

The Women in Blue are riding high after a thumping six-wicket win in the series opener and will aim to clinch the series in style. Meanwhile, Ireland Women will look to bounce back and level the series.

India Women couldn’t have asked for a better start to the series. After being put to bowl first, the Women in Blue faced a gritty Irish batting lineup. Gaby Lewis led the charge for the visitors with a fantastic knock of 92 runs off 129 balls, including 15 fours. She found an able partner in Leah Paul, who added 59 runs. Their 117-run partnership set the foundation for Ireland’s 238/7 in 50 overs. However, India’s bowlers, led by Priya Mishra (2 wickets), kept things tight in the death overs to restrict the Irish to a par score.

In reply, India’s top order came out all guns blazing. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal stitched a quickfire 70-run stand in just 10 overs, giving India the perfect start. Mandhana departed for 41 runs, but Rawal continued her carnage, smashing 89 off 96 balls with 10 fours and a six. Tejal Hasabnis played the perfect anchor, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 46, as India chased down the target with a whopping 93 balls to spare.

Ahead of the second ODI, let’s take a close look at the Rajkot stadium pitch report

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Stats And Records

Criterion
Data
Matches Played5
Matches Won Batting 1st4
Matches Won Bowling 1st1
Average 1st Innings Score305
Average 2nd Innings Score279



Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is famed for its flat and hard surface, making it a dream for batters. With an average first-innings score of 305 in ODIs, the pitch is tailor-made for big totals. Pacers will have a tough time early on, as there’s hardly any swing or movement on offer.

However, spinners could come into play as the game progresses, with turn and bounce helping them slow things down. Historically, teams batting first have had the edge here, winning all four ODIs played. However, India chased down the target comfortably in the last game, so toss-winning captains might have a dilemma on their hands. But all in all, both captains will look to bat first.

Players To Watch Out For At Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium

Pratika Rawal

  • India’s new batting sensation, Pratika Rawal, was unstoppable in the first game. Her 89 off 96 balls was a knock full of elegance and power, laced with 10 boundaries and a six.
  • She looks in red-hot form and could be the game-changer once again.

Gaby Lewis

  • Irish skipper Gaby Lewis is the backbone of her team’s batting lineup. Her classy 92 off 129 balls, studded with 15 fours, kept her team in the hunt in the first game. 
  • If she gets going again, India’s bowlers could be in for a tough time.

Tejal Hasabnis

  • India’s rising star Tejal Hasabnis, played a calm yet impactful knock in the opener. Her unbeaten 53 off 46 balls, with 9 boundaries, ensured India’s chase was a cakewalk. 
  • Her ability to soak pressure and finish games makes her a key player.