Kedar Jadhav made Zimbabwe pay for a woeful dropped catch as his unbeaten century powered India to an 83-run victory in the third one-day international at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday and a series whitewash.

Jadhav was on 41 when Elton Chigumbura put down the simplest of chances off the bowling of Graeme Cremer, and the Indian batsman went on to score 105 not out as India posted 276 for five.

The feat gave Indian cricket something to cheer about on the day that two Indian Premier League franchises were suspended for two years and two officials were banned for life for their part in the 2013 fixing scandal.

Manish Pandey also provided a good news story as he made 71 on his long-awaited international debut – the fourth-highest score by an Indian debutant in ODIs.

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As he had in the second ODI, Chamu Chibhabha provided the sole bright spot in Zimbabwe's reply, scoring 82 as the hosts were bowled out for 193 in 42.4 overs.

The next highest score for Zimbabwe was Regis Chakabva's 27, as Stuart Binny swung the ball viciously on his way to figures of 3 for 55 in 10 overs.

Mohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh and Axar Patel provided excellent back-up and each took two wickets, leaving the Zimbabweans to reflect on a ninth straight defeat in completed ODIs.

"We are looking to improve, so please bear with us," coach Dav Whatmore said. "We are trying really hard to get it right and we will need a bit more time."

The two teams will now take part in a two-match Twenty20 series that starts at the same ground on Friday.