India's women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur makes her return to the lineup for the second ODI against New Zealand on October 27 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Harmanpreet, who missed the series opener due to a niggle, reclaims her role as captain, with Smriti Mandhana filling in during her absence. India leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 after a solid 59-run victory in the first game. With Harmanpreet back and promising new talent Priya Mishra making her ODI debut, India looks set to challenge New Zealand again.

Harmanpreet Kaur's comeback after injury

Following India’s early exit from the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Harmanpreet Kaur’s return is much anticipated. The captain had to sit out the first ODI, allowing Smriti Mandhana to step in as captain. Her comeback is expected to boost the Indian side as they aim to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The match also brings excitement with the debut of wrist-spinner Priya Mishra, known for her recent standout performances.

Rising Star: Priya Mishra makes her debut

India has handed the debut cap to wrist-spinner Priya Mishra, whose remarkable five-wicket haul for India A in Australia recently caught the selectors' attention. In that match, Priya recorded figures of 5/14 in just five overs, leading her team to a 171-run victory while defending a target of 243. Her recent performance and promise as a wicket-taker make her a strong addition to the playing XI. To accommodate Harmanpreet and Priya, Dayalan Hemalatha and Renuka Singh were rested.

In an intense match, Priya Mishra showcased her skills with the ball, securing key moments for India. After a brilliant start, she claimed her first international wicket by dismissing Halliday, thanks to a stunning catch by Radha Yadav, who ran back, dived, and took it mid-air, surprising everyone. Mishra also caused a run-out earlier, getting Lauren Down out after deflecting a powerful drive with her fingertips. Despite a few missed fielding chances and boundary hits, including a fierce sweep from Green and a clean 50 from Bates, Mishra’s efforts kept the pressure on New Zealand, highlighting her growing impact in the team.

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Changes in New Zealand’s lineup

The White Ferns has also reshuffled their lineup due to a major setback as Melie Kerr, their star performer in the Women’s T20 World Cup and Player of the Tournament, suffered a quadriceps tear. Kerr’s absence prompted the inclusion of Fran Jonas and Lea Tahuhu in place of Kerr and Molly Penfold. Kerr’s all-round prowess will be sorely missed as she finished the recent T20 World Cup with record-breaking 15 wickets.

India took control of the series in the first ODI, defeating New Zealand by 59 runs. Setting a target of 228, India kept the pressure on the White Ferns, with Kerr shining in a valiant effort, claiming four wickets for 42 runs and scoring an unbeaten 25 off 23 balls. However, her efforts weren't enough, as New Zealand fell short in their chase. India now seeks to extend their lead, with New Zealand hoping to bounce back as Sophie Devine chose to bat first in the second ODI.

New Zealand have set a challenging total of 259/9 in their 50 overs, putting India in for a tough chase on a pitch where slower deliveries have proven tricky. Bates and Plimmer gave New Zealand a strong start with an 87-run opening partnership, with Bates reaching her half-century. Deepti Sharma broke the stand, sparking a phase where India took three quick wickets for just 41 runs. Later, Sophie Devine ramped up the scoring with powerful boundaries, finding support from Green to help New Zealand finish with a solid score. India will need to bat smartly to chase down this target.

India Women (Playing XI): Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia(w), Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra

New Zealand Women (Playing XI): Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Lauren Down, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas