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These three ODIs carry significant weight for New Zealand in the Women's Championship, where they currently hold the sixth position. While India enjoys de-facto World Cup qualification as hosts, the Kiwis must battle for a top-five finish to secure direct entry. With a string of ODI series ahead, New Zealand has its sights set on climbing the championship ladder. So with both sides aiming to prove their dominance, it’s time for the games to begin at Ahmedabad. Toss and team sheets up next in a few. Stay tuned!

Now let us see what this series means from the perspectives of both sides. As hosts of next year's ODI World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur's India have plenty at stake and to prove in this series. Adding to the intrigue, even the 'home' advantage seems tenuous - the team hasn't played an ODI on Ahmedabad's soil since 2013, making the venue almost as unfamiliar to them as to their visitors.

Team India enters this series nursing the wounds of their T20 World Cup disappointment, where they failed to live up to expectations. Under Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership, they'll look to bounce back with their proven top-order consisting of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The middle-order responsibilities rest on the shoulders of Jemimah Rodrigues and the versatile all-rounder Deepti Sharma, though they will have to find some answers to their middle-order inconsistencies which has long been an issue for the side now. Also, they'll miss the services of key pacer Pooja Vastrakar, who's been given a breather. With Vastrakar’s absence, the pace bowling duties rely on the shoulders of Arundhati Reddy and the uncapped pacers like Saima Thakor and Sayali Satghare will join her. Also, Richa Ghosh’s absence due to her board exams has given a huge opportunity for someone like Yastika Bhatia as the wicket-keeper choice.

In-form opener Georgia Plimmer looks set to continue her explosive batting display for the Kiwis. The bowling department packs a punch with emerging talent Eden Carson alongside the skilled duo of Jess Kerr and Molly Penfold. New Zealand's blend of experience and youth is further strengthened by the inclusion of newcomers Polly Inglis, who has got her maiden ODI call, and Lauren Down, adding a fresh dimension to an already formidable squad.

Fresh off their T20 World Cup glory, New Zealand Cricket has found their second wind. While Sophie Devine has stepped away from T20 leadership, she continues to marshal the ODI squad. The Kiwis have kept faith in their winning combination - veterans Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates remain integral to the setup, while the phenomenal Melie Kerr has emerged as the team's backbone after her impact-laden performances.

Ladies and gentlemen, what a time to be a cricket fan! The dust has barely settled in the Emirates, where the White Ferns created history by clinching their FIRST-EVER T20 World Cup trophy in spectacular fashion! But hold onto your seats, because the cricketing calendar never stops spinning. We're shifting gears and moving from the desert heat to the cricket-crazy nation of India. The magnificent Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the exclusive venue to host what promises to be an absolute cracker of a 3-match ODI series between India Women and New Zealand Women. On that note, we welcome you all to our coverage.

... MATCH DAY ...

The stage is set for an enthralling contest as India Women take on New Zealand Women in the 1st ODI of the 3-match series. Fresh from their historic ICC Women's T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE, New Zealand Women arrive in India brimming with confidence. The White Ferns exceptional campaign, culminating in their first-ever T20 World Cup title, must have given the side a massive boost. Led by the inspirational Sophie Devine, New Zealand Women boasts a potent lineup featuring Melie Kerr, Suzie Bates, and Georgia Plimmer. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by spin sensation Eden Carson and pace ace Lea Tahuhu, poses a significant threat. Hosts India Women, seeking to bounce back from recent setbacks, will rely on Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues to propel their batting. The Indian bowling unit, featuring the experienced Renuka Singh Thakur alongside Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav and others will aim to contain the White Ferns. As these two talented teams clash, fans can expect an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and determination. Will India's India Women home advantage prove decisive, or can New Zealand Women's winning momentum carry them to victory? We can expect a tightly contested game.