India A women out to seal T20 series against Australian counterparts

Having won the first game by four wickets, the India A women's team will be eager to register a win in the second T20 to claim an unassailable lead.

Mumbai 23 October, 2018 15:52 IST

Smriti Mandhana: The southpaw is a vital cog in India's top order. The Maharashtra-born player has already proved her mettle in the Big Bash League and the Kia Super League with breathtaking strokeplay and intent. Having scored half-centuries and tons at will, Smriti's form will be crucial for India's prospects. | Photo Credit: AP

Home side India A women will look to seal the three-match T20 series when it takes on Australia A Women in the second game here on Wednesday.

The Indian A side registered a four-wicket win in the first tie on Monday and a victory in the second game would help the home team take an unassailable lead ahead of the last game to be played on Friday.

The India A team comprises of most members of the national team that will represent the country at the World T20 to be hosted by the West Indies next month, including the likes of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj.

All eyes would once again be on Mandhana, who struck a match-winning 72 in the first game. Same will be the case with experienced Kaur, who also chipped in with a useful 45 in the series-opener.

The game will serve as another opportunity for the likes of young Jemimah Rodrigues, wicket keeper Tania Bhatia, Veda Krishnamurthy and others to prove their mettle.

India conceded 160 runs in the first game and that would be an area of concern for the team management. The bowlers will look for an improvised show and work on their weaknesses.

On the other hand, the visitor, which clinched the preceding 50-over series 3-0, would strive hard to stay alive in the rubber.