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India Women will host Ireland Women in an exciting limited-overs encounter, marking the latter’s return to India after an eight-year hiatus. Despite their history of not securing a win against India, Ireland will arrive with renewed confidence following victories against England and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India recently triumphed in both ODI and T20I series against the West Indies, showcasing their resilience after a tough series loss to Australia. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start in this series opener.
Match Details
| Fixture | India Women vs Ireland Women |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, January 4, 2025 |
| Venue | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| Time | 2:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Format | ODI |
Team Previews
India Women
India will be led by Smriti Mandhana in this series, as regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur is rested. Mandhana will open the innings alongside debutant Pratika Rawal, while seasoned players like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh strengthen the middle order. The team may also give opportunities to young talents Minnu Mani and Harleen Deol.
In the bowling department, Titas Sadhu leads the pace attack, supported by Saima Thakor and Sayali Satgore. The spin unit, featuring Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwar, and Priya Mishra, adds depth and experience to the squad. Playing in familiar conditions, India will aim to exploit their home advantage to the fullest.
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Harleen Deol
Predicted XI:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Minnu Mani, Richa Ghosh (wk), Tanuja Kanwar, Priya Mishra, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor
Ireland Women
Ireland Women, led by Gaby Lewis, have a point to prove in this series. Lewis, along with wicketkeeper Sarah Forbes, forms a promising opening pair. Their middle order, comprising Laura Delany, Leah Paul, and Orla Pendergast, is capable of stabilizing innings, while all-rounders Arlene Kelly and Georgina Dempsey add balance.
Freya Sargent and Orla Pendergast will spearhead the pace attack, with Arlene Kelly and Georgia Dempsey as key support bowlers. Spinner Aimee Maguire will play a crucial role on the spin-friendly Rajkot pitch. Ireland will look to draw on their recent successes and push India in what promises to be a competitive contest.
Key Players: Orla Pendergast, Laura Delany, Gaby Lewis
Predicted XI:
Gaby Lewis (c), Sarah Forbes (wk), Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Orla Pendergast, Una Reymond Hoey, Arlene Kelly, Georgina Dempsey, Aimee Maguire, Freya Sargent, Alana Dalzell
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Batsman | Smriti Mandhana (C) | India Women |
| Batsman | Gaby Lewis | Ireland Women |
| Batsman | Jemimah Rodrigues | India Women |
| All-Rounder | Deepti Sharma (VC) | India Women |
| All-Rounder | Orla Pendergast | Ireland Women |
| Wicketkeeper | Richa Ghosh | India Women |
| Bowler | Titas Sadhu | India Women |
| Bowler | Aimee Maguire | Ireland Women |
| Bowler | Priya Mishra | India Women |
| Bowler | Freya Sargent | Ireland Women |
| Bowler | Tanuja Kanwar | India Women |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Rajkot is traditionally spin-friendly, offering turn and grip for spinners. Batters may find it challenging to score freely, especially in the middle overs. However, those who apply themselves can capitalize in the latter stages of the innings. The average first-innings score here is expected to range between 240-260 runs.
Toss Prediction: Winning the toss, both teams are likely to bat first to take advantage of early moisture and set a challenging target.
Weather Conditions
Rajkot is expected to have bright and sunny weather, with temperatures peaking at 29°C and no rain forecast. The conditions are ideal for a full game of cricket.
Winning Prediction
India, with their depth and experience in home conditions, are the favorites for this match. While Ireland have shown glimpses of brilliance recently, overcoming India’s all-around strength will be a tall order.
Prediction: India Women to win.
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