IND-W vs ZIM-W: Fielding concerns, selection calls in focus as India target 3-0 T20I clean sweep

India's fielding concerns ahead of third WT20I vs Zimbabwe
India’s fielding concerns ahead of third WT20I vs Zimbabwe (PC: Cricketcscs Insta, BCCI Women)

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur is all set to host the third and final WT20I between India and Zimbabwe on Tuesday. The Women in Blue were put under pressure while chasing 115 in the series opener but eventually secured a four-wicket win. They followed it up with a much more convincing all-round performance in the second game, combining disciplined bowling with aggressive batting from skipper Smriti Mandhana and her deputy, Shafali Verma. India will now look to complete a 3-0 clean sweep against the Lady Chevrons.

However, heading into the final game, one of the biggest concerns for India remains their fielding. It has been a recurring issue, with the team struggling both in the field and under the high ball. The dropped catches by Shafali and Kranti Gaud in the second game were clear examples. Interestingly, during Monday’s optional practice session, there was no separate, dedicated fielding drill, with the seven players in attendance instead going through fitness routines before moving to the nets for batting and bowling practice.

On an individual front, the final game could be particularly important for Arundhati Reddy. She attended the optional session, completing an extended fitness routine before having a batting knock, which could suggest that another opportunity awaits her. In the first game, she was expensive despite picking up a wicket. Her second outing, however, was more economical, with her yorkers and variations appearing far more controlled. If she gets another chance, can she deliver a complete performance? With the all-format South Africa tour approaching, her performances could influence the management’s plans going forward.

The dropped catch from Kranti Gaud
The dropped catch from Kranti Gaud (PC: Cricketcscs Insta)

Youngster Anushka Sharma also looked in decent touch during the practice session, playing some solid, well-timed drives and lofted cover drives. She missed a big opportunity while batting at No. 3 in the series opener and had limited time in the middle in the second game. The final WT20I could offer her another chance to demonstrate her potential.

Interestingly, leg-spinner Prema Rawat and off-spinning all-rounder Minnu Mani were also in action. Bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi spent some time with the duo as they bowled to G Kamalini and former skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.

After missing the first two games, could Prema and Minnu finally feature in the playing XI? That remains to be seen. Kamalini, too, would be keen for an opportunity, although finding the right place and role for her could be a challenge for the team management. Jintimani Kalita was not seen at the optional session, making an appearance in the final game seem less likely.

Aavishkar Salvi with Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat
Aavishkar Salvi with Minnu Mani and Prema Rawat (PC: RevSportz)

With the series already sealed, India could make a few changes to give players who have struggled for regular opportunities a chance to prove themselves. The final game offers the management an opportunity to assess its options ahead of the upcoming South Africa tour.

Can Mandhana end her first assignment as India’s full-time captain with a 3-0 WT20I clean sweep, or will Zimbabwe produce a spirited performance like they did in the series opener? The answer will unfold in Raipur.

India’s predicted playing XI: Smriti Mandhana (C), Shafali Verma (VC), Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, G Kamalini (WK), Niki Prasad, Minnu Mani, Nandni Sharma, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.

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The post IND-W vs ZIM-W: Fielding concerns, selection calls in focus as India target 3-0 T20I clean sweep appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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