India decided to put runs on the board against South Africa under clear skies in Colombo for the second match of the women’s tri-series. Despite Monday’s game being unaffected by the weather at the outset, afternoon showers were forecasted, which could affect the match later on. South Africa, aware of the possibility of rain, began their chase with caution.
This match marked South Africa’s first since their Test against England in December, and they fielded one newcomer. Seventeen-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Karabo Meso was handed her ODI cap and slotted at No. 4, leaving experienced Sinalo Jafta out of the lineup. South Africa made a few changes to their team, with Lara Goodall replacing Anneke Bosch, who was sidelined by injury. The team also featured batters down to No. 8, with Chloe Tryon filling the position. Their bowling attack included three spinners—Tryon, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Sune Luus—and four seamers: Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk.
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India, meanwhile, kept the same lineup from their nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the series opener. Only three batters were required to chase down 148 runs, but they hoped for more contributions from the rest of the batting lineup without compromising the outcome. Seam bowler Kashvee Gautam and left-arm spinner Shree Charani retained their spots after making their debuts in the previous game. The Indian team’s bowling attack was led by Arundhati Reddy, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Pratika Rawal handling the spin duties.
India’s lineup:
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Smriti Mandhana, 2. Pratika Rawal, 3. Harleen Deol, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5. Jemimah Rodrigues, 6. Richa Ghosh (wk), 7. Deepti Sharma, 8. Kashvee Gautam, 9. Arundhati Reddy, 10. Sneh Rana, 11. Shree Charani
South Africa’s lineup:
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Laura Wolvaart (capt), 2. Tazmin Brits, 3. Lara Goodall, 4. Karabo Meso (wk), 5. Sune Luus, 6. Annerie Dercksen, 7. Nadine de Klerk, 8. Chloe Tryon, 9. Nonkululeko Mlaba, 10. Ayabonga Khaka, 11. Masabata Klaas
