The BCCI has announced India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, which will be held in Sri Lanka from July 19 to 28. The tournament offers a chance for the Asian teams to experiment and fine-tune their squads ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.
India, the defending champions, will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with Smriti Mandhana as her deputy. The team has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal.
They will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on July 19, followed by matches against UAE on July 21 and Nepal on July 23.
As the Women in Blue gear up for the tournament, here are three Indian players to watch out for:
1. Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana will be a key player for India in the upcoming Asia Cup. Known for her elegant stroke play and powerful hitting, Mandhana has been a consistent performer for the team.
In the recent T20I series against South Africa, she scored a fluent 54 runs, showcasing her ability to dominate the opposition bowlers.
Mandhana’s experience and leadership skills will be crucial for India as she takes on the role of vice-captain under Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy.
Her ability to set the tone at the top of the order and provide solid starts will be crucial for India’s success in the tournament.
2. Shafali Verma
Shafali Verma, the young sensation from India, has been making waves in the international cricket circuit with her explosive batting. The young opener is known for her fearless approach and ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs.
Shafali’s performance will be crucial for India, especially in the powerplay overs. Her ability to score runs quickly and put pressure on the opposition bowlers can be a game-changer for the team. With her recent form and experience, Verma will be looking to make a significant impact in the Asia Cup.
3. Jemimah Rodrigues
Jemimah Rodrigues has been a consistent performer for India in recent times. She has been impressive with her ability to score runs quickly and her adaptability to different match situations.
In the recent T20I series against South Africa, Rodrigues showcased her class with an unbeaten 53 off just 30 balls in the first match. Her ability to rotate the strike and find the boundaries at crucial moments makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Rodrigues’ experience and composure in the middle order will be crucial for India’s success in the Asia Cup. Her ability to build partnerships and finish off innings strongly will be key for the team.
