Ireland Opt to Bat as India Debut Sayali Satghare

Ireland made three changes to their team from their last ODI against Bangladesh in November. Batters Laura Delany, Christina Coulter Reilly, and allrounder Georgina Dempsey were included, strengthening their batting lineup with eight proper batters. However, Amy Hunter, one of their key batters, is missing the series due to a foot injury.

India is led by stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, as regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is sidelined with a niggle. Batter Tejal Hasabnis, who didn’t play in the three ODIs against West Indies last month, replaces Harmanpreet in the XI.

Seam-bowling allrounder Sayali Satghare made her debut, stepping in as India rested their lead pacer, Renuka Singh. India’s seam attack for this match is inexperienced, with a total of just 13 ODIs among them.

This series is crucial for Ireland, as they need game time to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers later this year. They will rely on the experience of Lewis and Delany, the only players in their squad who have played in India before.

For India, the series provides an opportunity to give game time to fringe players, including Pratika Rawal, who impressed as an opener in her debut series against West Indies.

All three ODIs will be held at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, marking the first time the venue is hosting women’s ODI cricket.