The ongoing India-New Zealand series is certainly a source of good preparation for both teams, given that the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which is going to be played in New Zealand is just around the corner. New Zealand lead the five match ODI series 2-0 after they beat India by 62 runs in the first ODI and by three wickets in the second ODI.
After the first ODI which took place on February 12, India’s captain Mithali Raj mentioned that the team did miss the services of their star opening batter Smriti Mandhana. The southpaw had a wonderful 2021, who also won the ICC Cricketer of the Year for that. It was known that Mandhana, along with pace duo of Meghna Singh and Renuka Singh Thakur were in the New Zealand government’s MIQ (Managed Isolation and/or Quarantine) because of which they missed the one-off T20I and two ODIs. But now it is known that the trio will be available for the remainder of the series, once declared fit. One of them had tested COVID-19 positive after landing in New Zealand late last month. It is important to note that all three players are doubly vaccinated.
After serving the isolation/quarantine period of 10 days in the New Zealand government’s MIQ, Renuka Singh Thakur left the facility on February 13, while Mandhana left the facility on Tuesday. It is expected that Meghna Singh will also leave the MIQ facility on February 15. Mandhana took to Instagram and posted “Finally out of Quarantine!! Can’t wait to get back with the team.”
View this post on Instagram
In view of COVID-19 and to curb the spread of virus in the country, the New Zealand government follows strict border rules and requires all overseas arrivals to stay in the MIQ for a mandatory period of 10 days. Complying with the New Zealand government’s norms, the Indian trio stayed in the MIQ for 10 days.
The good news for the Indian team is that they will be available for the rest of the ODI series against New Zealand. The last three ODIs will be played on February 18, February 22 and February 24. After this bilateral series, both India and New Zealand will feature in the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
News Source: Annesha Ghosh / ESPN Cricinfo
Loves all things female cricket