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Big guns India and South Africa collide for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2017 title

Undefeated India are all set to face South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2017 on Tuesday, at the P Sara Oval Stadium, Colombo.

Mithali Raj, India captain, is in a very good form © Getty Images
Mithali Raj, India captain, is in a very good form © Getty Images

Undefeated India are all set to face South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2017 on Tuesday, at the P Sara Oval Stadium, Colombo. The winner will take home the prestigious trophy and the championship title. India finished the group league and the Super Sixes sitting on top of the table while South Africa followed them at No. 2. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who occupy the next two places in the table, have also qualified for the main stage of the World Cup. While the undefeated streak of the Indian Eves cannot be challenged, South Africa are no less.

Indian team, despite missing two core team members in Smriti Mandhana and Jhulan Goswami, have excelled in every department to outclass the rest in contest. Their star-studded batting shone every time there was need, while the senior bowlers took up charge. However, the biggest positive for the side was how the youngsters shone. Coming into an action-packed tournament such as this, the likes of Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Soni Yadav and Mansi Joshi have kept their calm and performed impressively. Mithali Raj has led the side from front, stepping in with runs whenever necessary but generally letting the young brigade finish things off. While Mansi has been a revelation, the spin department continues to be led by the ageless Ekta Bisht. Unfortunately, India’s fielding has not been as impressive as it could have been, despite the presence of the astonishing Veda Krishnamurthy. Another matter of concern is the extras conceded by the bowlers. If these get rectified, India Women can ease their way to victory.

South Africa’s run in the tournament has also been impressive. However, they have not been able to tame the Indian Eves. South Africa have a potent top-order that boasts of the likes of Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt. In the middle-order is the captain Dane van Niekerk herself along with in-form Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp. Sune Luus and Shabnim Ismail will be the bowlers to watch out for. The fielding, just like that of any South African side, has been splendid.

Squads:

India Women: Mithali Raj (c), Sushma Verma (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur, Ekta Bisht, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, MD Thirushkamini, Veda Krishnamurthy, Mona Meshram, Shikha Pandey, Poonam Yadav, Deepti Sharma, Devika Vaidya, Soni Yadav, Mansi Joshi.

South Africa: Dane van Niekerk (c), Trisha Chetty (wk), Moseline Daniels, Mignon du Preez, Yolani Fourie, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Marcia Letsoalo, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Lizelle Lee.

TIME: 10:00 am IST

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