West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the third ODI in foggy Vadodara. This marked the first time in the series that West Indies chose to bat after conceding 314 and 358 in the previous two games. However, they face challenging conditions, with early morning moisture and a slightly damp surface likely to test their batters.
West Indies made two changes to their lineup. Batting allrounder Mandy Mangru rejoined the middle order after playing her last ODI in February 2022. Offspinner Ashmini Munisar, who debuted against Ireland in June 2023, also earned a spot in the lineup. Meanwhile, allrounder Nerissa Crafton and top-order batter Rashada Williams made way for the duo.
India handed an ODI debut to left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar, who replaced seamer Saima Thakor. Thakor had struggled in the series, remaining wicketless and conceding 33 runs in four overs in the second ODI. India’s bowling unit, however, had been largely effective, with others consistently among the wickets.
This match holds significant importance for the West Indies, who are battling to secure the final spot in World Cup qualification. For India, it is an opportunity to find consistency and momentum following a disappointing 3-0 series loss in Australia earlier in the month.
India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwar, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Renuka Singh.
West Indies XI: Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack.
Leave a Reply