India elect to bat vs SA, Jhulan misses out

Christchurch, March 27 : India have won the toss and elected to bat against South Africa in their must-win ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match at the Hagley Oval here on Sunday. India made two changes in the line-up, with Meghna Singh and Deepti Sharma replacing Jhulan Goswami, who has a side strain, and Poonam Yadav. After winning the toss, India skipper Mithali Raj said, “We’ll have a bat because yesterday’s game was played on the same track and spinners might get help later on. “Also, it’s better to bat in the sun. It’s all about holding our nerves and being composed and play the best cricket to win as we understand its importance.” South Africa captain Sune Luus said, “We probably would have had a bat first but I don’t think the wicket would change too much, so we don’t mind bowling first. “It still stays a World Cup match, for us it’s about hitting our straps and taking the confidence into the semis. It’s not a game to relax, we need to improve on a few things and play our best cricket.” Lara Goodall and Masabata Klaas come in for Tazman Brits and Tumi Sekhukhune in the South African line-up. Playing XIs: India- Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad. South Africa- Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka.

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