When and Where to Watch India Women vs South Africa Women, Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings and Pitch Report for 1st ODI

After almost a year, the Indian Women’s cricket team will be back in action. In fact, the last time the ‘Women in Blue’ were seen on a cricket field was on 8th March 2020, in the final of the T20 World Cup that was held in Australia. On that fateful day, they were thrashed by spirited Australia by 85 runs at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

And now, the Indian Women’s side will take the field once again after a one-year hiatus on March 7th, 2021, when they lock horns against South Africa Women in a five-match ODI series. The Indian batting line-up looks solid, with experienced campaigners like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and the old warhorse Mithali Raj wielding the willow. The bowling too looks strong with Jhulan Goswami, Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma capable of giving jitters to any batting line-up.

South Africa too, have some veterans in their squad, with the likes of Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Mignon Du Preez and Trisha Chetty in their arsenal. They have a potent bowling attack as well. Skipper Sune Luus, right arm pacer Aayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp are veterans who know the tricks of their trade. And definitely, a cracker of a contest awaits the fans.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow can be termed as a ‘balanced one’. It is an ideal ODI wicket that has something in it for both the batters as well as the bowlers. The batters should be willing to play the waiting game on this type of surface.

Playing Combinations for India Women vs South Africa Women

India Women

Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana form a potent opening pair for India Women. The legendary Mithali Raj, Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreeet Kaur will occupy the middle order. Sushma Verma is likely to don the wicket-keeping gloves ahead of the uncapped Swetha Verma. Jhulan Goswami will spearhead the bowling attack for the India Women’s side, with the likes of Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Radha Yadav forming a challenging bowling attack in home conditions.

Predicted Playing XI: Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj (C), Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sushma Verma (WK), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jhulan Goswami, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Radha Yadav/Mansi Joshi, Poonam Yadav

Bench: Punam Raut, Priya Punia, Yastika Bhatia, Swetha Verma, Radha Yadav/Manshi Joshi

South Africa Women

Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt will open the batting for the South Africa Women. While skipper Sune Luus will occupy the pivotal No.3 slot, Migron Du Preez and Tazmin Brits will complete the middle order. Trisha Chetty will keep wickets in tomorrow’s game. The bowling attack will consist of the hugely experienced duo of Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp. Ayabonga Khaka is also a tricky customer to deal with as well. The final slot in the side will be taken either by Nonkululeko Mlaba or Tumi Sekhukune.

Predicted Playing XI: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus (C), Migron Du Preez, Tazmin Brits, Anne Bosch, Trisha Chetty (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba/Tumi Sekhukune

India Women vs South Africa Women Head-to-Head

Played-22 | India Women-14 | South Africa Women-7 | NR-1 |

India Women vs South Africa Women Broadcast Details

Match Timings: 9:00 AM (IST)

TV: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: Hotstar