The focus will be on young talent, especially the debutantes, when the Indian women’s cricket team squares off against South Africa in a one-off Test starting on Friday, a decade after the two teams last clashed in a five-day game.
With Test cricket not being a regular affair for women, as many as five in the Indian squad could get a debut in the longest format, after having established themselves and proved their mettle in the limited-overs circuit. Also, with India coming off a 3-0 clean sweep in the preceding ODI series against the same side, the momentum is surely with the hosts although this will be a different format altogether.
The likes of Uma Chetry, Priya Punia, Saika Ishaque, Arundhati Reddy and Shabnam Shakil will be the ones to watch as they prepare for their Test debut.
IND-W vs SA-W: Match Details
Match: India Women vs South Africa Women
Date & time: June 28 to July 1, 09:30 AM onwards
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema
Pitch Report
The pitch at Chepauk may be back to its traditional characteristics, particularly for Test matches. Historically, this ground has been known for its slow, spin-friendly surfaces that pose significant challenges for batters. The conditions are likely to favor spinners and bowlers who can effectively vary their deliveries.
IND-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 02 |
| India Women won | 02 |
| South Africa Women won | 00 |
| Draw | 00 |
| First Meeting | 19th March, 2002 |
| Last Meeting | 16th November, 2014 |
Predicted XIs
India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Asha Sobhana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Mieke de Ridder (WK), Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
