NEWS
Follow UsThere is not a lot of noise around the series, but it is perhaps one of the crucial fixtures in India’s continued preparation for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. In that process, the Women in Blue have done a lot of chopping and changing, perhaps in a bid to find their best 15.
One such decision is handing a debut to Pratika Rawal, the 24-year-old batter from Delhi. Rawal was in the headlines earlier in 2024 when she played a monumental role in Delhi’s run to the Under-23 One-Day Trophy, scoring 411 runs in just seven innings. She’s a prolific run-getter and will have a chance at flexing her muscles against West Indies.
Rawal wouldn’t have to wait a long time for her batting, as West Indian skipper Hayley Matthews has won the toss and put India to bat first in Vadodara, the venue for the first ODI. Remember, it is the first international fixture here at the Kotambi Stadium.
Apart from Rawal’s debut, there aren’t too many unexpected names in India’s playing XI, with Priya Mishra keeping her place as the leg-spinning option. On the other hand, for West Indies, Deandra Dottin makes her comeback to the ODI format for the first time since her retirement.
Playing XIs
West Indies XI: Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Zaida James, Shabika Gajnabi, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Renuka Singh
What to expect from the pitch?
It is going to be a box full of surprises, considering the venue is hosting its first international fixture. Nevertheless, WV Raman, who did the pitch report, insisted that the pitch could have a lot of runs. It is a black-soil pitch, so there's a strong chance it could help the spinners. We will also have to wait and watch what could happen on this surface.
