How Will India Women Build on Their Historic T20I Success Against England in the ODIs?

New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) Following their remarkable achievement of winning their inaugural T20I series against England on their home turf, the Indian women's team is poised to assert their dominance in the upcoming three-match ODI series beginning Wednesday.

With the ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in India later this year, the team is eager to harness the winning energy from their historic 3-2 T20I series victory to elevate their spirits ahead of this significant event. Notably, the Indian women clinched their last ODI series in May, securing the tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Pratika Rawal, who is expected to open alongside Smriti Mandhana for the ODI series against England, stated that the squad has been exhibiting a victorious style of cricket this year and intends to maintain this momentum to overpower the hosts in the forthcoming ODIs.

“We have consistently showcased a winning style of cricket throughout this year, and our goal is to sustain this success. We aim to continue building on our momentum, to dominate our opponents, and to be relentless on the field,” Pratika expressed in a video shared by BCCI women on X.

Regarding her preparations for the series, Pratika mentioned that arriving early in England has allowed her to better understand the playing conditions. “I am managing my nerves and am excited. I arrived on the 6th of July, and the past 6-7 days here have been beneficial. During my first net session in Manchester, I noticed that the ball was skidding, and the bounce was noticeably higher compared to the Indian pitches. This helped me identify the areas where I could place the ball or score runs effectively,” Pratika explained.

“I have discussed strategies with all the players. Back home, I practiced in indoor nets on Astro wickets to acclimate to the bounce. Conversations with Harman di (Harmanpreet Kaur), Smriti di (Smriti Mandhana), and Amol (Muzumdar) sir were crucial in understanding the conditions strategically, pinpointing my strengths, and devising plans to counter the English pace bowlers,” she continued.

Middel order batter Tejal Hasabnis, who is on her debut tour to England, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This is my first tour to England, and I am incredibly excited. Arriving early has significantly aided my adaptation to the pitches, as the conditions and weather fluctuate here compared to India.”

“Winning the T20I series has been a strong motivator, and I intend to channel that motivation into the ODI series as well,” she added.

The first match of the three-match ODI series kicks off on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.