Womens T20 Challenge 2022 | Match Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

Smriti Mandhana’s Trailblazers will square off against Harmanpreet Kaur-led Supernovas in the opening encounter of the Women’s T20 Challenge 2022. The Trailblazers had won the last edition of this tournament. However, with notable changes in all the three teams’ dynamics, this statistic will not impact the contest.

The Trailblazers boast an enviable top order, with captain Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in their ranks. Rodrigues will be eyeing a return to the national squad by playing some match-winning knocks.

S.Meghana, part of the reserve squad in the recently concluded World Cup, may accompany the skipper to open the batting. Sharmin Akhter from Bangladesh is another opening option available before the management. 

Hayley Matthews, who opened for the Caribbean side in the World Cup, will return to the middle order. They also have Richa Ghosh and Sophia Dunkley to lend the finishing touches. Two of India’s finest spinners, Poonam Yadav and Rajeshwari Gayakwad, will pair up with Bangladesh’s veteran, Salma Khatun, and will pose a stiff challenge before the Supernovas.

The Supernovas, on the other hand, have two of the best power-hitters in women’s cricket currently –Deandra Dottin and the skipper herself. South Africa’s vice-captain, Sune Luus, will charge the middle order alongside Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar. 

One between Priya Punia and Harleen Deol is likely to open the batting with Dottin. Both young prospects had a successful run in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and will keep the selectors interested.

Taniya Bhatia, who is no longer the first-choice keeper/batter in the national squad, needs quick runs under her belt.

Supernovas have the no.1 T20 bowler Sophie Ecclestone in their squad. The left-arm spinner has been in fine form with her recent exploits in the Fairbreak Invitational, 2022. 

Australia’s Alana King is an exciting leg-spin option before the team think tank. There is no dearth of bowling options for the Supernovas. Luus, Kaur, Dottin, and Deol can all turn their arm over.

Match Details

Match: Trailblazers vs Supernovas, 1st Match

Date: 23 May 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Watch it on: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar

Pitch Report: In the 13 IPL league matches played at Pune, the teams batting first have won ten times. Chasing has not been easy here, with the surface becoming two-paced as the tournament progressed. So, teams will look to put a challenging total onboard and then defend it, with the spinners leading the pack.

Squads

Trailblazers: Smriti Mandhana (c), Poonam Yadav (VC), Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Priyanka Priyadarshini, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh (wk), S Meghana, Saiqa Ishaque, Sujata Mallik, SB Pokharkar, Salma Khatun (Bangladesh), Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Sophia Dunkley (England)

Supernovas: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Taniya Bhatia (VC and wk), Ayushi Soni, Chandu V, Harleen Deol, Meghna Singh, Monica Patel, Muskan Malik, Pooja Vastrakar, Priya Punia, Mansi Joshi, Rashi Kanojia, Sophie Ecclestone (England), Sune Luus (South Africa), Alana King (Australia), Deandra Dottin (West Indies)

Probable Playing XI

Trailblazers: Smriti Mandhana (c), Hayley Matthews, Jemimah Rodrigues, S Meghana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Salma Khatun, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh

Supernovas: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deandra Dottin, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Priya Punia, Harleen Deol, Sune Luus, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Alana King, Sophie Ecclestone, Ayushi Soni

CREX XI Suggestions 

Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh

Batters: Deandra Dottin, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Sophia Dunkley

All-rounders: Harmanpreet Kaur, Sune Luus, Salma Khatun

Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Captain: Deandra Dottin

Vice-captain: Sophie Ecclestone