The fourth instalment of the Women’s T20 Challenge will commence on May 23, with Supernovas squaring off against the Trailblazers. The three teams will play each other once, with the final scheduled for May 28. All four matches take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. But, first, let’s look at the three squads and how they shape up.
Velocity
Team Velocity will be led by Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, with her compatriot, Sneh Rana being her deputy. Shafali Verma and the South African superstar Laura Wolvaardt are likely to open the batting for the side. After failing to leave a mark in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, Verma regained her form in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. She led Haryana from the front and tried her hands at off-spin bowling.
This squad has several other opening options in KP Navgire, Shivali Shinde and Natthakan Chantam. Navgire ended as the leading run-scorer in the T20 trophy and powered Nagaland to the pre-quarterfinals.
The wicket-keeping duties will be handled by Yastika Bhatia, who is also likely to come one down in the batting order. However, the squad has enough spin options in the captain, vice-captain, Radha Yadav, Aarti Kedar and Maya Sonawane. Kate Cross and Ayabonga Khaka will take charge of the pace department.
16-member squad: Deepti Sharma (c), Sneh Rana (VC), Shafali Verma, KP Navgire, Keerthi James, Maya Sonawane, Radha Yadav, Aarti Kedar, Shivali Shinde, Simran Bahadur, Yastika Bhatia, Pranavi Chandra, Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Kathryn Cross (England), Natthakan Chantam (Thailand)
Supernovas
India’s T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been appointed as the skipper of Supernovas. This team can set the stage on fire with Kaur and West Indies’ powerhouse opener, Deandra Dottin, in their ranks. In addition, Harleen Deol and Priya Punia will look to impress the selectors and make a comeback to the national side.
Sune Luus, who led South Africa in the recently concluded World Cup in Dane Van Niekerk’s absence, will also be a key player for Supernovas. Their opponents also need to be wary of the No.1 T20 bowler, Sophie Ecclestone and Australia’s Alana King, who can bamboozle any opposition with their wily bowling.
The pace department is full of players who are in a tussle to cement their place or make a comeback to the national team. Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Mansi Joshi, Monica Patel–plenty of choices before the captain.
16-member squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Taniya Bhatia (VC), 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)
Trailblazers
Fresh from leading Maharashtra to the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy final, Smriti Mandhana will don the skipper’s hat at the Trailblazers. The team management will have a tough time selecting Mandhana’s opening partner. With Bangladesh’s Sharmin Akhter, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and S.Meghana available, they will be spoilt for choices.
Eyes will be on Jemimah Rodrigues, who will be raring to go after being snubbed from the World Cup squad. Young Richa Ghosh and English prodigy Sophia Dunkley will have finishing duties to cater to.
Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Bangladesh’s Salma Khatum make a powerful trio in the spin department. Arundhati Reddy and Renuka Singh will be their first-choice pacers.
The fast-bowling department appears a bit weak when compared to the other two teams. But, on the bright side, it will allow the domestic stars to leave a mark on the grand stage.
16-member squad: Smriti Mandhana (c), Poonam Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Priyanka Priyadarshini, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, S Meghana, Saiqa Ishaque, Sujata Mallik, SB Pokharkar, Salma Khatun (Bangladesh), Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Sophia Dunkley Brown (England)
Schedule
May 23: Trailblazers vs Supernovas - 7:30 PM
May 24: Supernovas vs Velocity - 3:30 PM
May 26: Velocity vs Trailblazers - 7:30 PM
May 28: Final - 7:30 PM
Watch it on: Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar