tarunprasad
Mumbai, India: The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced a familiar-looking 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from July 19th to 28th. This continuity reflects the team’s faith in the core group that clinched the title in 2022.
The selected players were all part of the recent T20I series against South Africa, with the exception of Amanjot Kaur and Shabnam Shakil. Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwar, and Meghna Singh will provide cover as travelling reserves for the Women in Blue.
Solid Batting and All-Round Depth
India’s batting lineup boasts an established opening partnership of Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain, and the explosive Shafali Verma. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur brings experience and power in the middle order. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Richa Ghosh and the young Uma Chetry.
Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma’s valuable all-round abilities offer the team management flexibility in picking the playing XI based on pitch conditions. This depth allows India to adapt their strategy and find the perfect balance throughout the tournament.
Asia Cup as a Stepping Stone to T20 World Cup Glory
India’s opening match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on July 19th. They will also face UAE and Nepal in the group stage, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Dambulla will be the sole venue for all 15 matches, including the semi-finals and the final.
The Women’s Asia Cup serves as crucial preparation for the marquee T20 World Cup, slated for Bangladesh later this year (September-October). With a familiar squad and a recent multi-format series against South Africa under their belt, India looks well-positioned to defend their Asia Cup title and build momentum for the World Cup challenge.
Can India maintain their dominance in Asian cricket? Will the likes of Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh continue to shine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Key Points:
- India selects a consistent squad for Women’s Asia Cup Team India title defense.
- 15 players from the ongoing South Africa T20I series part of the squad.
- Solid batting lineup with Verma, Mandhana, and Kaur at the core.
- All-rounders Vastrakar and Sharma offer valuable depth.
- Asia Cup serves as a stepping stone for the T20 World Cup in September.
Who will India face?
Group Stage: Pakistan, UAE, Nepal
When and Where?
July 19th onwards in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Team India Women’s Asia Cup 2024
India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana
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