Indian women begin as favourites against the West Indies

The Indian team hopes its seniors will return to the playing field. It faces the West Indies in Monday’s Women’s T20 Tri-Series match.

The Indians were without Harmanpreet Kaur, their skipper in the win against South Africa, but gave a great account of themselves in their opener.

The South African captain was unable to play in the match due to illness. It remains to be seen if the captain will return for the match against West Indies. West Indies are coming off a huge loss to the home team.

India’s first game of the playing XI didn’t include Renuka Singh, Shikha Pandey and Pooja Vasstrakar.

Amanjot Kaur, a debutant, was handed the India cap by Smriti Mandhana as stand-in skipper. She gave a great performance and made it a memorable occasion.

India was at 69 for five at one point, but after Amanjot’s 41-ball 31 and batting at number seven, it made a fighting 147 to six.

She was awarded the Player of Match for her 27-run win.

No matter how the seniors play against the West Indies in the senior tournament, there will be a lot of attention on Amanjot, 21 years old, here on Monday when the Women in Blue look to consolidate their position in that tournament.

It’s an incredible feeling. It was something I never imagined my first match against India would turn out like this. This is my first press conference. After the first match, Amanjot stated that he was the Player of Match.

This tri-series is important because it is the last tournament prior to the Women’s T20 World Cup, which South Africa will host next month. The tri-series will end February 2.

Deepti Sharma, India’s senior all-rounder can be a reliable resource, even though some seniors have fallen ill, and teenager sensations Shafali and Richa Gosh are busy with their U-19 World Cup commitments.

Deepti performed admirably against South Africans. She scored a 23-ball 33, and took 3/30 in a stunning all-round performance. In the next match, she will be looking for another win.

If they want to challenge the Indians, the West Indies will have to improve in every department.