IND W vs ZIM W 2nd ODI: India at 68/2 after 10 overs; Smriti and Shafali depart

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India scored 68 runs for the loss of 2 wickets at the end of the powerplay against Zimbabwe in Vadodara. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma departed early as the hosts lost wickets quickly.

Harmanpreet Kaur was unbeaten on 27 off 25 deliveries, while the centurion from the last match, Pratika Rawal, was unbeaten on 23 after 10 overs.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Indian captain Smriti Mandhana said she was happy to bat first and put a big total on the board. She further added that Kranti Gaud is rested for the game after her heroics in the first match.

“We just have one change. Kranti is rested today, and Vaishnavi comes back into the side. [What influenced the decision to bring in another spinner, was it down to the pitch conditions?] No, to be fair, we just wanted to rest Kranti and give Vaishnavi some game time. It wasn’t specifically about pacers versus spinners. But having said that, Vaishnavi bowled exceptionally well in the previous game, so bringing in another leg-spinner is certainly not a bad option to have. [Speaking of the batting lineup, Shafali Verma batted at number three in the last game, scored a quick fifty, and even chipped in with a few overs. Will she continue in that role, or are you exploring other options. I’d say the communication aspect, just understanding where the players are at mentally and keeping those lines open. On a lighter note, managing 50 overs as captain feels like it goes by much faster than when you’re just out there fielding.” Mandhana said.

Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo said she would have liked to bat first too but was looking forward to the challenge of bowling on tough conditions.

“We just need to be more positive with the bat, show some intent. Hopefully we’ll be able to use the conditions and take a few early wickets because this heat is too much. We’ve assessed the conditions quite well. Adapted well.” Josephine Nkomo said.

Confirmed Playing XI for both teams:

India Women (Playing XI): Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Shree Charani, Jintimani Kalita

Zimbabwe Women (Playing XI): Modester Mupachikwa(w), Loryn Phiri, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo(c), Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Tendai Makusha, Olinder Chare

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