India Eyes Clean Sweep, South Africa Seeks Redemption in ODI Finale

India and South Africa will face off in the third and final ODI of their series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. India holds a 2-0 lead after winning the first two matches, but South Africa will be determined to salvage some pride and earn valuable ODI World Cup qualification points.

India's batting has been in fine form, with Smriti Mandhana scoring two centuries and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur returning to form with a hundred in the second ODI. However, opener Shafali Verma's credentials for 50-over cricket remain under scrutiny, and Sunday's match could be her last chance to prove her worth.

For South Africa, the game is crucial for their World Cup qualification hopes. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp have been in impressive form, scoring centuries in the second ODI. The Proteas will need more runs from their top-order batters, such as Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch, to challenge India's formidable total.

There are two intriguing aspects to the series-ender. India may rotate its squad to keep players match-fit ahead of the Test and T20Is in Chennai. Additionally, the fickle Bengaluru monsoon weather, which has been favorable for cricket so far, could play a role in the outcome.

Tags: #Cricket, #OneDayCricket, #India, #SouthAfrica, #SportsEvent