The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Women announced the senior women's squad for the upcoming ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the women's team in the both the formats while Smriti Mandhana has been named as the vice-captain of the team. Meanwhile, 21-year-old rising star Shreyanka Patil has also been named in both the ODI and T20I squads.
ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Harleen Deol
T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Saika Ishaque, Renuka Singh Thakur, Titas Sadhu, Pooja Vastrakar, Kanika Ahuja, Minnu Mani
The white-ball series between India and Australia will commence on December 28. The two heavyweight teams will first lock horns in a three-match ODI series followed by three-match T20I series.
All the three ODI matches will be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, while all the three T20I matches will be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
On December 24, Harmanpreet Kaur-led India scripted a glorious chapter in Indian women's cricket history as they registered their first-ever Test win against the Baggy Greens. India defeated Australia by a convincing margin of 8 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
India Women vs Australia Women Test
Throughout the first three days of the match, India maintained a steady lead, culminating in a swift and decisive action on Sunday, December 24. The final day's play began with Pooja Vastrakar making an immediate impact, dismissing Ashleigh Gardner in her very first over. Australia struggled to add to their overnight score, facing setbacks with the loss of their senior players early on.
Despite efforts by Annabel Sutherland and Jess Jonassen to stabilize the innings, spinner Sneh Rana delivered a critical blow with a double-wicket over in the 101st over, leading to Australia's collapse. Rajeshwari Gaikwad further compounded Australia's troubles, swiftly dismantling their batting lineup and ending their second innings at 261 runs.
India, needing just 75 runs to seal the win, faced initial setbacks with the early loss of Shafali Varma. Despite Varma's brisk start, which included a striking boundary off Kim Garth, she succumbed to an outswinger from the Australian pacer just before the lunch break. Smriti Mandhana then took charge, steering India to victory. Richa Ghosh also contributed significantly before losing her wicket in an attempt to hit Gardner for a six. Mandhana's game-winning shot, a lofted straight drive off Jess Jonassen, marked the historic win for India.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
INDW vs AUSW: Harmanpreet Kaur's India script history at Wankhede Stadium, register first-ever Test win over Australia
‘Couldn't have done it without them’: Richa Ghosh expresses gratitude to parents after Test debut vs Australia
