India’s women’s cricket team concluded their home series against Zimbabwe in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, securing a 92-run victory in the third T20I at Raipur. The win not only completed a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep but also extended the side's winning streak in the format to 11 matches. Furthermore, the result stands as India’s largest T20I victory by run margin on home soil.
After opting to bat first, the hosts posted a formidable total of 216/7. The innings was defined by a blistering display of power-hitting, spearheaded by
A dominant display with the bat
With the series already secured, India experimented with their batting order, promoting Anushka Sharma to open alongside Shafali Verma. The pair provided an explosive start, putting together 54 runs in just 32 balls. Anushka contributed 28 off 20 deliveries, while Shafali continued her aggressive form, reaching her second consecutive half-century. By the time she departed for 69 off 37 balls, she had effectively neutralized the Zimbabwean bowling attack with a series of well-timed boundaries and sixes.
Following Shafali’s dismissal, Harmanpreet Kaur took center stage. The captain delivered a masterclass in clean hitting, finishing unbeaten on 91 from just 41 balls. Her innings, which included five sixes, provided a timely return to form after a period of limited opportunities. Despite losing four wickets in the final five overs, India managed to plunder 62 runs during the death phase to set a target that proved far beyond the reach of the visitors.
Nandani Sharma leads the bowling effort
Zimbabwe’s chase began poorly when Kelis Ndhlovu was dismissed for a golden duck. Although Sharne Mayers attempted to stabilize the innings with a muscular 60 off 49 balls—a knock that featured four boundaries and four sixes—the lack of sustained partnerships left the visitors struggling to keep pace with the required run rate. Mayers found some support from Beloved Biza, but the Indian bowling unit remained disciplined throughout.
India utilized seven different bowlers to stifle the opposition, with Nandani Sharma proving the most effective. She claimed 3/18, dismantling the middle order and ensuring there was no late-innings resurgence from Zimbabwe. The victory serves as a strong start for Smriti Mandhana in her tenure as permanent captain, capping off a successful run that included previous triumphs in the Asia Cup and the Asian Games.
