Sylhet (Bangladesh): With a semi-final berth already sealed, India would like to continue experimenting with their playing XI when they take on a plucky Thailand In Women’s Asia Cup Here on Monday.
India have fielded a separate playing XI in all their matches so far in the tournament so as to give time to the fringe players ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
The batting order has also undergone frequent changes with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur slipping to number seven against Pakistan. And while the move didn’t work as the new middle order collapsed under pressure, the team continues to give its fringe players game time.
However, after a groundbreaking performance that led to their first defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in six years, the ‘Women in Blue’ came back strongly to defeat defending champions and hosts Bangladesh in all three departments.
India are performing as a cohesive unit, the bowling department has remained consistent throughout the tournament while the batsmen have also played their part.
The biggest positive will be the return of flamboyant Shafali Verma to form. The young opener hit a much-needed half-century in the last match, which buoyed his confidence.
Smriti Mandhana also had a few runs under her belt as the tournament entered the business end.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was rested due to injury in the previous match and it remains to be seen whether she makes a comeback for the team’s last group game.
Jemima Rodrigues, who is returning from injury, is having a great tournament and is the top run-scorer.
Deepti Sharma has done wonders with both bat and ball. The spin all-rounder is the leading wicket-taker along with Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed and Thailand’s T Puthawong. All three have eight skulls each.
Richa Ghosh has made a strong case for her inclusion in the T20 squad and the young wicketkeeper would like to continue in the same vein.
Thailand, on the other hand, have won their last three games, including a surprise win against Pakistan.
They are currently at the fourth position in the table with six points. They will be eager to make a final attempt for that final semi-final spot.
They have hosts Bangladesh and have four points and a game in hand.
India, who are at the top of the table with eight points, will be wary of the Thai team which is capable of surprise.
The last time these two sides met, India registered a comfortable win in the Asia Cup in 2018.
Teams (from)
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Sabbineni Meghna, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Dayalan Hemlata, Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Radha Yadav and KP Navgire.
Thailand: Narumol Chaiwai (Captain), Nattaya Boochatham, Natthakan Chantham, Sunida Chaturongratana, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwanan Khiaoto, Nannapat Konchroenkai, Suliporn Laomi, Banthida Leafthana, Fannita Maya, Nanthita Boonathipa Tipipathar Sutthaintat, Nanthita Thipapathasukhamt, Phutinthina Thipapathar Sutthain, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwannan Khiaoto, Nannapat Konchroenkai, Suliporn Laomi, Banthida Leafthana, Pu
India have fielded a separate playing XI in all their matches so far in the tournament so as to give time to the fringe players ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
The batting order has also undergone frequent changes with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur slipping to number seven against Pakistan. And while the move didn’t work as the new middle order collapsed under pressure, the team continues to give its fringe players game time.
However, after a groundbreaking performance that led to their first defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in six years, the ‘Women in Blue’ came back strongly to defeat defending champions and hosts Bangladesh in all three departments.
India are performing as a cohesive unit, the bowling department has remained consistent throughout the tournament while the batsmen have also played their part.
The biggest positive will be the return of flamboyant Shafali Verma to form. The young opener hit a much-needed half-century in the last match, which buoyed his confidence.
Smriti Mandhana also had a few runs under her belt as the tournament entered the business end.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was rested due to injury in the previous match and it remains to be seen whether she makes a comeback for the team’s last group game.
Jemima Rodrigues, who is returning from injury, is having a great tournament and is the top run-scorer.
Deepti Sharma has done wonders with both bat and ball. The spin all-rounder is the leading wicket-taker along with Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed and Thailand’s T Puthawong. All three have eight skulls each.
Richa Ghosh has made a strong case for her inclusion in the T20 squad and the young wicketkeeper would like to continue in the same vein.
Thailand, on the other hand, have won their last three games, including a surprise win against Pakistan.
They are currently at the fourth position in the table with six points. They will be eager to make a final attempt for that final semi-final spot.
They have hosts Bangladesh and have four points and a game in hand.
India, who are at the top of the table with eight points, will be wary of the Thai team which is capable of surprise.
The last time these two sides met, India registered a comfortable win in the Asia Cup in 2018.
Teams (from)
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Sabbineni Meghna, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Dayalan Hemlata, Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Radha Yadav and KP Navgire.
Thailand: Narumol Chaiwai (Captain), Nattaya Boochatham, Natthakan Chantham, Sunida Chaturongratana, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwanan Khiaoto, Nannapat Konchroenkai, Suliporn Laomi, Banthida Leafthana, Fannita Maya, Nanthita Boonathipa Tipipathar Sutthaintat, Nanthita Thipapathasukhamt, Phutinthina Thipapathar Sutthain, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwannan Khiaoto, Nannapat Konchroenkai, Suliporn Laomi, Banthida Leafthana, Pu