India and New Zealand will look to grab two more ICC Women’s Championship points when they meet in the third One-Day International of what has been a closely-contested series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday.
The five-match series is level 1-1, but with only the first three games carrying points, both sides are aware that the outcome of the next match is vital.
The host defended a total of 142 in the opening encounter while the Kiwis nervously chased down 163 in the second.
New Zealand’s bowlers have excelled in both games, but the batting has left a lot to be desired.
“I think the problem we have had in the past 12 months is that we lose our wickets in clumps and that puts a lot of pressure on our batters,” all-rounder Sophie Devine said after Wednesday’s three-wicket win. “It wasn’t the smoothest chase but we are glad that we were able to cross the finish line.”
She believed, though, that her team was growing more accustomed to the pitches with every game.
“We have had some net bowlers tell us about how the ball is a lot harder to hit when bowled slower on these pitches,” Devine said. “We are learning every day about the conditions here.”
If it was Jhulan Goswami who rescued India with the bat in the first ODI, it was Thirushkamini in the second.
The home team will be aware that it needs contributions with the bat from more of its players.
“We need to put up a better show with the bat, giving our bowlers something to bowl at,” Thirushkamini admitted. “One or two in the top order must click so we don’t open up the lower order too soon.”
Captain Mithali Raj, though perhaps worried about her own form, will be pleased with the efforts of Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Ekta Bisht.
The two left-arm spinners have troubled New Zealand without pause and it is on this strength that India’s hopes rest.
