India v Zimbabwe third women's ODI: Zimbabwe win toss and bat, India make three changes

The third match of the three-ODI series between the Indian women's cricket team and Zimbabwe is being played on Wednesday at the BCA Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first. India captain Smriti Mandhana has made three changes to the playing XI.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo said her side would bat first. She said it was important to put up a big score against the opposition. Nkomo is confident that if Zimbabwe get past 250, they can present India with a good challenge. She also said the team was gaining good experience from the series and would focus on correcting the gaps in its game.

For India, captain Smriti Mandhana has brought in Kranti Goud, Harleen Deol and Yastika Bhatia. Mandhana said the team was trying to test the right combination with the upcoming tour of South Africa and the Champions Trophy in mind. She said that with the help of part-time spinners, room could be made for an extra fast bowler. According to Mandhana, after gauging the pitch, India aim to restrict Zimbabwe to under 180.

India lead the series 2-0 after winning the first two matches. In the second ODI, India beat Zimbabwe by 121 runs. In that match Harmanpreet Kaur played a superb innings of 126, while Deepti Sharma scored 106 off 86 balls. Pratika Rawal also contributed 61.

With the ball, Vaishnavi Sharma took four wickets for 39 runs and Deepti Sharma dismissed three batters. On the strength of that performance, India registered a big win in the second match.

For Zimbabwe in the second ODI, Modester Mupachikwa made 49 off 70 balls and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano played an innings of 46. However, the middle-order batters could not play big innings, and the team lost.

By winning the third match, India have the chance to take the series 3-0. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will want to end the series on a high by winning the last game.

India playing XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita and Vaishnavi Sharma.

Zimbabwe playing XI: Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Loryn Phiri, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (captain), Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Tendai Makusha and Olinder Chare.