Series Decider: New Zealand Opts to Bat in Ahmedabad Heat
In the series-deciding third ODI in Ahmedabad, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, celebrating her 150th ODI, won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage in sunny conditions with a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. Each team made one change from the previous match: India replaced Arundhati Reddy with pacer Renuka Singh, while New Zealand brought in fast bowler Hannah Rowe in place of Jess Kerr. The BCCI also confirmed that Indian offspinner Shreyanka Patil was unavailable due to shin splints.
Teams Even at 1-1 Heading into the Final ODI
With the series level at 1-1, both teams aim to clinch the ODI series after each side claimed one win apiece. India emerged victorious in the first ODI by bowling New Zealand out for 168 in a tightly contested match, defending their total of 227 runs. However, New Zealand came back strong in the second game, winning by 76 runs with Sophie Devine’s all-round brilliance.
The third ODI is set to be a thrilling contest with India eager to capitalize on home conditions while New Zealand looks to end the series on a high. The trend so far has favored the teams batting first, adding more weight to New Zealand’s decision to bat first in the Ahmedabad heat.
Dry Pitch and Warm Conditions Favor Batting First
The pitch appeared dry and hard under the hot sun, likely to assist batting in the initial overs before potentially offering some assistance to the spinners later on. Ahmedabad’s conditions promise a testing environment, especially for bowlers as the temperatures remain high, which could lead to fatigue in the second innings. Both teams will be aiming for an early advantage, given the conditions.
Key Players and Strategic Changes for India
Renuka Singh’s inclusion in the Indian lineup boosts their pace attack, adding experience and control in the opening overs. The focus will also be on India’s top order, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma tasked to lay a solid foundation. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Deepti Sharma are expected to anchor the innings if the need arises and play crucial roles with the ball in hand as well.
New Zealand Pins Hopes on Devine and Rowe in Series Decider
With Hannah Rowe’s pace added to the lineup, New Zealand aims to strengthen their bowling arsenal to put pressure on India’s batting lineup. Skipper Sophie Devine’s experience and leadership will be vital, especially after her impactful performance in the second ODI. New Zealand’s middle order, featuring Maddy Green and Suzie Bates, will also look to contribute significantly in this decider.
Upcoming Tours for India and New Zealand
After the ODI series, both teams will turn their attention to Australia. India will travel for a three-match ODI series starting on December 5, while New Zealand will host Australia for their own ODI series from December 19. This third ODI not only serves as a series decider but also as a crucial test for both teams before they face Australia.
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Probable Playing XI
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra.
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Izzy Gaze (wk) Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Hannah Rowe.
