India concluded their tour of Zimbabwe with a commanding performance, securing an eight-wicket victory in the third ODI on Wednesday to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The result capped off a dominant run for the visitors, who had already claimed the preceding T20 series by the same margin.
The foundation for the win was laid by 20-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who produced a career-best display in only her third ODI appearance. Sharma dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup, claiming five wickets for 39 runs during her 10-over spell. Her ability to manipulate flight and vary her pace proved too much for the hosts, who were eventually bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs.
Bowling dominance and clinical chase
Zimbabwe’s innings struggled to find momentum from the outset. Fast bowler Sayali Satghare provided an early breakthrough in the opening over, removing Loryn Phiri, while Shafali Verma chipped in with the wicket of Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. Although opener Modester Mupachikwa offered some resistance with a top score of 37 off 48 balls, she was eventually stumped off the bowling of Sharma. Supporting contributions from Kranti Gaud and Satghare, who claimed two wickets apiece, ensured the pressure remained on the hosts throughout the innings.
In response, India’s pursuit of the 132-run target began with a minor stumble when Yastika Bhatia fell on the first ball she faced. However, any hopes of a Zimbabwe comeback were quickly extinguished by a dominant partnership between Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma. Rawal, continuing her excellent form after scoring a century and a half-century in the previous two matches, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59 from 56 deliveries. This innings marked her 10th ODI half-century in 30 matches.
At the other end, Verma played with aggressive intent, racing to an unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls. The pair guided India to the target in only 17 overs, sealing the match and the series with ease. This bilateral contest served as the first-ever women’s ODI series between the two nations, providing the Zimbabwean side with significant experience against a top-tier international opponent. India made three adjustments to their lineup for the final fixture, handing opportunities to Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia, and Kranti Gaud.
