Vadodara, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat against India in the third women’s ODI at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, while India made three changes to their playing XI, bringing back Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia and Kranti Goud.
India captain Smriti Mandhana said the team was considering its bowling combinations ahead of the upcoming tour of South Africa and the Champions Trophy, with three specialist fast bowlers a possible option for matches expected to be played under lights.
Mandhana said India could also rely on the part-time spin options available within the squad to accommodate an additional pacer. She stressed the importance of taking early wickets with the new ball and praised Kranti, Sayali Satghare and Jintimani Kalita for maintaining the right line and length.
Assessing the bowling unit’s targets, Mandhana said restricting opponents to below 150 would be an ideal outcome, although keeping them under 180–200 would also be a reasonable performance.
Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo said the series had given her players valuable exposure to international cricket and helped them identify areas requiring improvement.
“Now we know how big the gap is and where we need to work on,” Nkomo said, adding that the experience could also create opportunities for players to be selected in various leagues.
Zimbabwe made one change, bringing in Tendai Makusha. Nkomo said her side wanted to make the most of what she considered a good batting surface, identifying a total of around 250 or more as a competitive target.
India retained Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma at the top of the order, with Mandhana leading the side. Harleen and Yastika returned in place of Richa Ghosh and Tejal Hasabnis.
Playing XIs
India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita, Vaishnavi Sharma.
Zimbabwe: Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Loryn Phiri, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (captain), Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Tendai Makusha, Olinder Chare.
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