LUCKNOW, March 16: The series already out of their grasp, the Indian women cricketers, who are struggling to put together a cohesive team show, will have pride at stake when they clash with South Africa women in the fifth and final One-day International, here on Wednesday.
Barring the convincing nine-wicket win in the second match, the Indian women have barely fired in unison while the South Africans, who have already clinched the series 3-1, have excelled as a team.
To be fair to the home side players, they were a bit rusty as they are playing their first international series after more than a year due to the COVID pandemic while South Africa recently beat Pakistan 3-0 at home.
The Indian team also missed the flair of young Shafali Verma at the top of the order and the experience of Shikha Pandey in bowling department.
Indian spinners, save Rajeshwari Gayakwad, were a big let down on the slow tracks and that has played a big part in India’s series loss when the South Africans chased down 249 and 267 in the third and fourth matches.
Senior leggie Poonam Yadav has not got any batter out in the four matches she has played so far and it remains to be seen if she keeps her place on Wednesday. (PTI)
