India seems to tick just a few bins in opposition to South Africa

India faces a litmus check in opposition to South Africa in a Women’s ODI World Cup match on the ACA-VDCA Stadium right here on Thursday.

With two wins on the trot, the Women in Blue sit one level behind table-topper Australia. However, their performances haven’t been as clean as they’d have wished.

India’s explosive opening pair has not taken off to date and whereas the rescue acts by the middle-order are welcome, it’s not precisely going within the positives column of the suppose tank’s notes.

What doesn’t assistance is the benefit ceded by India’s long-term Achilles heel — its fielding. In 16 ODIs this yr, India has dropped as many as 41 possibilities.

Particularly responsible of sloppiness is Richa Ghosh whose returns by the stumps have been bizarre at finest. Her preventing unbeaten 35 in 20 balls in opposition to Pakistan has been the intense spot in an in any other case lean batting file, too.

The house staff will take consolation, nevertheless, within the two-week coaching camp held at this venue earlier than the match acquired underway.

Having had the possibility to know circumstances right here, with the surfaces reportedly going the high-scoring manner, will maintain India in good stead in opposition to a South African line-up with a lot firepower and in opposition to Australia in a while Sunday.

The facet might be buoyed by the restoration and availability of Amanjot Kaur, who made manner for Renuka Singh in opposition to Pakistan as a consequence of fever.

South Africa can even come into this contest stuffed with perception, having taken aside New Zealand with ease. The drubbing by the hands of England now seems effectively behind the Proteas, with the facet rising to the event in all departments in Indore.

With rain clouds hovering over the coastal metropolis, a lined pitch would possibly current its personal challenges and alternatives.

If Colombo is any instance to go by, the pitch would possibly maintain moisture and supply bowlers throughout variants some grip.

With left-arm spinners ruling the roost on this match to date, Nonkululeko Mlaba will hope to double down on a four-wicket haul in opposition to New Zealand.

Her firing might be key to South Africa managing its first win within the format in opposition to India since 2022.