Revealed: Why are India women wearing black armbands in 3rd ODI against West Indies Women?

India Women's National Cricket Team are currently taking on West Indies Women's National Cricket Team in the third ODI of the series. The last game of the series between the teams is taking place at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Friday (27th December).

Home captain Harmanpreet lost the toss as the West Indies opted to bat first. What caught the attention of many was the black armbands that were on the sleeves of each member of the hosts' Team.

Team India is wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh - BCCI

It made many wonder why the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side are wearing black armbands. The reason behind that has been revealed finally. They are making the gesture to pay tribute to former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.

Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday (26th December) at the age of 92. The development was confirmed by the BCCI on their Twitter account. They stated:

"Team India is wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday."

Team India is wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/W2XpTBMujH

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 27, 2024

Hosts make one change to the team, West Indies make three

Coming to the match between the teams, the hosts have made one change to their XI. Tanuja Kanwer has replaced Saima Thakor in the team while there have been three changes for the West Indies Women's National Cricket Team.

Chinelle Henry, Mandy Mangru, and Ashmini Munisar have found their places in the XI. They have replaced Nerissa Crafton, Rashada William,s and Shamilia Connell for the dead rubber third ODI between the teams.

Here are the playing XI's for both the teams:

West Indies Women (Playing XI): Hayley Matthews(c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle(w), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack

India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwar, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Renuka Thakur Singh

Renuka Singh takes the hosts off to a flying start as she picks three quick wickets

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side had a great start to the match as Renuka Singh removed Qiana Joseph on the first ball of the match. If this was not enough, on the last ball of the same over, she removed Hayley Matthews for a two-ball duck.

Renuka Singh was on the roll as in his next over she removed Deandra Dottin for 5 runs to take her team off to a flying start, leaving West Indies Women's National Cricket Team tottering at 9/3.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have already won the three-match ODI series after their staggering effort in the first two games. They would want to win the last game as well and complete a 3-0 whitewash.

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