Ind vs SA preview | Must-win game for Indian women

In the third ODI, India couldn't step up the rate with the team managing just 27 runs in the last 30 balls following the dismissal of vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur

India had posted a competitive 248 for 5 in the third ODI but it wasn’t enough. File

Despite the largely predictable pattern of teams winning the toss winning the match, it has been a fascinating series so far, between India and South Africa women.

While the Proteas look to have mastered the situation to take a 2-1 lead in the five-ODI series, the Indian team has given many hints that it can play a lot better than what it has done so far.

Lizelle Lee made light of chasing a target of 249, with a hurricane unbeaten 132 in tough windy conditions which ended in an anti-climactic rain. the Indian team is bound to step up its response to match wits.

Getting into rhythm

“Playing more matches will help us get into our rhythm. On tracks not assisting spin, even our experienced spinners have very little space to try their variations,” said captain Mithali after the defeat in the third match.

About the need to reduce the dot-ball percentage in the innings, Mithali said everything depended on the situation, whether it was time “to develop momentum or try and build a partnership”.

Despite the consistently strong performance of Jhulan Goswami the Indian bowling looks to have lost its sting in admirable batting conditions against a determined opponent.

With the constant talk about preparing for the World Cup next year, India is getting many sharp lessons which would help it develop into a strong unit.

Match starts at 9 a.m.