Women
Image Source: IANS
1st ODI: Saima, Tejal Handed Debuts As Smriti-led India Elect To Bat First Against New Zealand
Narendra Modi Stadium: Saima Thakor and Tejal Hasabnis have been handed their international debuts as India’s stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in the ODI series opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.
"Harmanpreet Kaur has a niggle and has been rested for the 1st ODI. Smriti Mandhana will be leading the side in her absence," BCCI wrote on X.
The match marks India’s return to international action after suffering a group-stage exit in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, which was eventually won by Sophie Devine-led New Zealand, who got their second major silverware in women’s cricket.
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