IND W vs ZIM W 2nd ODI: Smriti Mandhana won the toss and opted to bat first

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India won the toss and elected to bowl first in the second ODI between the sides at BCA Stadium in Vadodara. India can seal the series with a win, having already won the first ODI by 9 wickets.

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! But overall, the best part has been interacting with the team; the players have been brilliant.” 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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