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IN-W vs IR-W Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For 2nd ODI Match

Soumyajit Dutta

Smriti Mandhana and Gaby Lewis are among the top choices for fantasy captains [Source: @ICC/X.com]Smriti Mandhana and Gaby Lewis are among the top choices for fantasy captains [Source: @ICC/X.com]

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After an emphatic opening match win, India Women now leads 1-0 in the three-match ODI series against Ireland Women. The second ODI is scheduled for January 12, with the action set to begin at 11:00 AM IST at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. 

Looking back at the records, Ireland Women have been unimpressive against India Women losing all of the ODI matches they have played. After the recent 1st ODI win, India Women will aim to continue their dominance in the second ODI after a convincing 6-wicket win. Chasing Ireland's total of 239/7, India cruised to victory with over 15 overs to spare, thanks to stellar performances from Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis. 

Meanwhile, Ireland Women will be keen to bounce back after falling short in the opening ODI. Despite strong contributions from captain Gaby Lewis (92) and Leah Paul (59), Ireland’s total wasn’t enough to hold off India’s chase. Aimee Maguire impressed with the ball, taking 3/57, but Ireland struggled to defend their total. Hence, they will need to perform better in the upcoming match to level the series.

Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium - Pitch Report For IN-W vs IR-W 2nd ODI

The Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot is renowned for its flat, hard surface, creating a paradise for batters. Runs are expected to flow freely on the pitch. While pacers might struggle to find early movement, spinners could come into play as the game progresses, exploiting any turn and bounce. 

Teams batting first have enjoyed success at this venue and the team winning the toss will likely elect to bat first and capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions.

Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices For IN-W vs IR-W

3) Gaby Lewis

Why Gaby Lewis Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Consistent And In-form Batter: Gaby Lewis is an excellent choice as a fantasy captain, given her consistent form with the bat in recent matches. In the first ODI against India Women, she played a crucial role with a well-made 92 off 129 balls, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings and provide stability. Her recent performances in T20Is against Bangladesh also highlight her adaptability on tacky pitches.

Builds Innings: Moreover, Gaby’s consistency in accumulating runs, especially in challenging conditions, makes her a valuable fantasy asset. Her ability to play long innings, as seen in her 52 off 79 balls in the ODI against Bangladesh, further strengthens her case. As the captain of the Ireland Women’s team, she is also likely to have a central role in the team’s strategy, both with the bat and in leading the side which will push her prospects to take responsibility and play longer innings.

2) Pratika Rawal

Why Pratika Rawal Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Explosive Innings Builder: Pratika Rawal stands out as a strong contender for fantasy captaincy, owing to her impressive recent form and consistency with the bat. In the first ODI against Ireland Women, Rawal top-scored for India with a brilliant 89 off 96 balls, nearly reaching a century and showcasing her ability to build long innings. Her recent performances against West Indies Women also demonstrate her reliability, with scores of 76 and 40 in two ODIs. These performances indicate that Rawal is in good touch and capable of scoring big, making her a valuable asset for fantasy teams.

Emerging ODI Star: In addition to her recent form, Pratika Rawal’s overall ODI career stats underline her potential as a top fantasy performer. With a batting average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 81.39, she has proven to be an effective run-scorer in the format. Her ability to find boundaries, as seen from her 28 fours and a couple of sixes, adds to her fantasy value. Given her current form and the likelihood of her playing a central role in India Women’s innings, Rawal is a promising option for fantasy captaincy in the upcoming matches.

1) Smriti Mandhana

Why Smriti Mandhana Will Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?

Explosive And Reliable Top-Order Batter: Smriti Mandhana, the Indian captain, is a top contender for fantasy captaincy due to her consistent and explosive form, particularly in ODI cricket. In the first ODI against Ireland Women, she played an aggressive knock of 41 runs off 29 balls, providing a solid foundation at the top of the order. Mandhana's recent performances in the West Indies series further highlight her capabilities, with scores of 53, 91, and 77 across multiple formats, displaying her ability to anchor the innings as well as accelerate when required.

Consistent Performer: Beyond her recent form, Mandhana’s career stats make her a consistent performer in the 50-over format. With over 4000 runs, including 9 centuries and 29 fifties, she has established herself as one of the best openers in women’s cricket. Her strike rate of 85.69 and average of 44.96 reflect her ability to score at a brisk pace while maintaining stability. She is an excellent choice for a fantasy captain who can provide both consistency and explosive performances.