Women’s Asia Cup: Indian team would like to continue the experiment against Thailand

Sylhet. The semi-final spots are confirmed and the Indian team will look to continue experimenting in the playing XI when they take on strong-willed Thailand in their Women’s Asia Cup tie here on Monday. India have so far fielded separate playing XIs in all their matches in the tournament so as to give a chance to players who do not play regularly in the playing XI ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

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The batting order has been constantly reshuffled, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur being dropped in the seventh spot in the match against Pakistan, but the move did not work and the ‘new-look’ middle order collapsed under pressure, leaving the team six years away from arch-rivals. I suffered the first defeat. But still the team will continue to shuffle. Despite losing to Pakistan, however, the Indian team made a strong comeback in the next match and performed brilliantly in all departments, defeating defending champions and hosts Bangladesh.

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The Indian team has been performing as a united unit and the bowling department has been consistent throughout the tournament while the batsmen have played their part well. The most positive thing for India’s batting line-up has been Shefali Verma’s return to form. The young opener scored a half-century in the last match which will be crucial to boost his confidence. Smriti Mandhana has also scored some runs during the tournament.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was rested in the last match with a minor injury so it remains to be seen whether she will make a comeback in the team’s final group match. Jemima Rodrigues, who is returning from injury, has had a good tournament and continues to be the top scorer. Deepti Sharma shines with both bat and ball. This spin all-rounder is among the highest wicket-takers along with Bangladesh’s Rumana Ahmed and Thailand’s T Putavong. All three have taken eight wickets. Richa Ghosh has made a strong claim for her inclusion in the T20 squad and the young wicketkeeper would like to continue the momentum. Talking about Thailand, the team is showing a good game, having won their last three matches which includes a shocking win against Pakistan.

Thailand are currently fourth in the table with six points. The team will be desperate to make the last effort to secure the final semi-final spot. Hosts Bangladesh are trailing with four points and the team has one match left. India are at the top of the table with eight points and the team would like to be cautious against Thailand as they are capable of turning up. The last time both the teams faced each other in the 2018 Asia Cup, India had registered an easy victory.

Teams are as follows: India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shefali Verma, Jemima Rodrigues, Sabineni Meghna, Richa Ghosh (WK), Sneh Rana, Dayalan Hemlata, Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gaikwad, Radha Yadav and KP Navgire. Thailand: Naruimol Chaiwai (Captain), Nataya Bouchatham, Nathakan Chantham, Sunida Chaturongratana, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwanan Khiaoto, Nanapat Koncharoenkai, Suliporna Laomi, Banthida Lephathana, Phanita Maya, Nanthita Boonthipatthiru, Chanicha Puthatsukham, Chanicha Puthawontsukham, Onicha Kamchomphu, Suwanan Khiaoto, Nanapat Koncharoenkai, Suliporna The match will start at 1 pm Indian time.