• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 06/20/2024
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Shabnam Shakil, a promising 17-year-old medium-pacer, has earned her maiden call-up to the Indian women’s cricket team for the ongoing series against South Africa. Shakil’s inclusion comes midway through the ODI series, where India has already secured a decisive 2-0 lead.

Maiden Call-Up for Shabnam Shakil

Shakil’s selection is significant as it marks her entry into the senior national team across all three formats. The young pacer joins the squad as a potential cover and for workload management, ensuring the frontline pacers are well-rested and fit. This call-up reflects her impressive performances in domestic cricket and her potential to contribute significantly at the international level.

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Shabnam Shakil added to India’s squad for all three formats for the ongoing multi-format series against South Africa. #CricketTwitter #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/jqZcJmWUxP

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 20, 2024

India has dominated the ongoing ODI series, leading 2-0 with the final match scheduled for Sunday in Bengaluru. Shakil joins a squad that includes key pacers such as Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Thakur, who have shared new-ball duties. Arundhati Reddy, who received her maiden ODI cap in Thakur’s absence during the second ODI, is also part of the squad. This continuity in squad selection indicates the selectors’ confidence in the current lineup.

Upcoming Test and T20I Series

Following the ODI series, India and South Africa will head to Chennai for a solitary Test match from June 28 to July 1. The series will conclude with three T20 Internationals scheduled for July 5, 7, and 9. These matches will comprehensively assess the team’s capabilities across formats. The inclusion of Shakil across all formats underscores the selectors’ intent to groom young talent for the future.

For the Test match, India’s squad includes Meghna Singh as the fourth pace-bowling option alongside the ODI squad members. Meghna will make way for Amanjot Kaur, a pace-bowling allrounder, for the T20I series. This strategic inclusion balances experience and youth, ensuring a versatile and robust team lineup for the demanding series.

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Shabnam Shakil’s recent form includes participation in the pacers-specific camp ahead of the series selection and playing for the Board President’s XI in a warm-up fixture against South Africa. Despite limited action due to rain, Shakil’s inclusion in the WPL, where she picked up four wickets in four games, has bolstered her credentials. Her consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, earning her this well-deserved opportunity.

Pooja Vastrakar, an experienced pacer, remains a crucial part of the squad, providing both skill and experience. Renuka Thakur, who shared new-ball duties but was rested in the second ODI to manage her workload, ensures she remains in peak condition for the upcoming matches. Arundhati Reddy received her maiden ODI cap in the second match, reflecting the selectors’ confidence in her abilities to perform at the highest level. Meghna Singh, part of the Test squad, brings experience and reliability, crucial for the long-format game against South Africa. Amanjot Kaur, a pace-bowling allrounder, will join for the T20I series, adding depth and versatility to the squad.