Two players of Team India have made their debut against New Zealand. Made her debut in the first ODI match between India and New Zealand women's teams in Ahmedabad. Tejal Hassabnis and Saima Thakor made their debut for India in this match. Both got debut caps from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodriguez. A series of 3 ODI matches is to be played between India and New Zealand.
Both the newcomers are from Maharashtra
Both the players participating in the ODI against New Zealand in Ahmedabad are from Maharashtra. Tejal got the debut cap from Smriti Mandhana while Saima got the debut cap from Jemima. That means both the players from Maharashtra were given caps by two players from Maharashtra themselves. Saima Thakor is a right-arm fast bowler, who has played 6 matches in the WPL and taken 3 wickets. While Tejal Hasbanis is a batsman.
Smriti got captaincy in place of Harman
Regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur is not playing in the first ODI against New Zealand. In his place, the reins of captaincy are in the hands of Smriti Mandhana. India won the toss and decided to bat first. Team India's opening pair has disappointed here too. India's opening pair broke after Smriti Mandha was out for 5 runs. This is the first international match in which the Indian team is playing in the Women's T20 World Cup after being out of the group stage.
Women's T20 World Cup champion is New Zealand
As far as the New Zealand team is concerned, it is the new champion of the Women's T20 World Cup. Kiwi women's team has reached India with great enthusiasm. Of course, the series against India is an ODI, but the challenge is still big for the Kiwi team.