India-W vs South Africa-W Prediction: India need to work on bowling

India and South Africa are going head to head in the third match of the T20 Series at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India on 09 July 2024. India need to work on their bowling. Who will win this game of cricket?

India must see a robust response from their bowlers if they are to take the field first again. Their recent bowling performances have been somewhat disappointing. During the first T20I, India found it difficult to take wickets after the initial breakthrough in the 8th over. Though there was some improvement in the subsequent game with more frequent wickets, the bowlers still leaked runs during the match's latter stages. Deepthi Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Pooja Vastrakar are crucial in the bowling lineup and are expected to spearhead the wicket-taking to keep India competitive.

In the series opener, India fell short by 12 runs while pursuing a target of 190. Jemimah Rodrigues stood out, scoring an impressive 53 not out from 30 deliveries, batting at number 5. This strategic lower-order positioning by the Indian management proved beneficial. Nonetheless, the captain needs to accelerate her scoring rate to boost India's chances in the decisive match. Her 35 from 29 balls contributed to the chase but failed to alleviate the mounting pressure. Having delivered significant innings in the past, she brings a wealth of experience to the crease. Up top, the partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma is vital for setting a solid foundation early in the innings.

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Uma Chetry (wk), S Sajana, Pooja Vastrakar, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav

The South Africa Women's cricket team is exhibiting outstanding batting consistency. In their recent game, the lower-order batters significantly contributed, ensuring a robust finish in the final over. Top-order batters Laura Wolvaardt and Tamzin Brits have adopted an aggressive stance in their play, with Wolvaardt making 22 runs from 12 balls and Brits amassing 52 runs over two games.

The presence of seasoned and effective batters such as Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch further solidifies the team's top order, enhancing their strength. Introducing Chlore Tyron into the batting lineup at either the fourth or fifth spot further bolsters their depth, positioning them to consistently post challenging totals potentially exceeding 175 runs. However, their ability to reach such scores may be tested by a change in the pitch. If the groundskeepers opt for a slower surface that favors spin, it could pose difficulties for the South African side.

Batting deep into their lineup, South Africa features Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Deckersen, who notably scored 12 runs off just three balls in a recent final over. On the bowling front, Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tyron, and Nadine de Klerk play pivotal roles. Despite incorporating some new players into their bowling squad, none have yet made a significant impact. This mix of steady batting and developing bowling prowess highlights the dual potential and challenges faced by the team as they advance in the competition.

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Eliz-mari Marx, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Although South Africa has shown impressive form, India possesses a remarkable ability to recover, making them formidable contenders. This Indian squad is well-rounded, and should their bowlers hit their stride, they could pose significant challenges for South Africa. This matchup is expected to be tightly contested, but India Women might have a slight advantage and are anticipated to be the favorites to win according to our match prediction. We predict a victory for India Women.