India Women completed a clean sweep of the ODI series against Zimbabwe, beating the visitors by eight wickets in the third and final match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday, October 28.
Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma took a maiden five-wicket haul as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs. India then chased down the target of 132 in just 17 overs, finishing on 133 for 2, with Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma both unbeaten on half-centuries.
Vaishnavi spins through Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat, but never built a partnership against a disciplined Indian attack. Sayali Satghare struck in the second over to remove Loryn Phiri, and Kranti Gaud removed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano for four in the next over.
Vaishnavi, 20 and playing only her third ODI, then took over. She dismissed Beloved Biza for one, broke a 27-run stand by having opener and wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa stumped for 37, and ran through the middle order to finish with 5 for 39 in 10 overs — her first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, days after taking four wickets in the second ODI at the same ground. Gaud and Satghare took two wickets each.
For Zimbabwe, captain Josephine Nkomo top-scored alongside Mupachikwa with 35, adding 43 for the fifth wicket with Chiedza Dhururu (20), but the innings folded for 131.
A 17-over chase
India’s chase began with a stumble — Yastika Bhatia, sent in to open, was caught at mid-on off the very first ball, dismissed by Nomvelo Sibanda. Harleen Deol made 19 before falling to Loryn Phiri, but from there Pratika and Shafali took complete control.
Pratika, who had scored 100 and 61 in the first two matches, finished unbeaten on 59 off 56 balls — her 10th ODI half-century in her 30th ODI. Shafali, batting at No. 4, smashed an unbeaten 51 off just 26 balls as India raced home with 33 overs to spare.
A tour of total dominance
The sweep completed a one-sided tour for Zimbabwe in their first-ever bilateral series against India. India had already won the preceding T20I series 3-0 in Raipur, then took the ODIs by nine wickets in the opener and by 121 runs in the second match before Wednesday’s eight-wicket finish.
For India, the series was also a showcase for its next generation: a 20-year-old spinner announcing herself with a five-for, and two unbeaten fifties closing out a chase in fast-forward. For Zimbabwe, the tour offered rare experience against a top side — and a reminder of the gap they must close.
Brief scores
Zimbabwe 131 all out in 39.5 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 37; Vaishnavi Sharma 5/39). India 133 for 2 in 17 overs (Pratika Rawal 59 not out, Shafali Verma 51 not out; Nomvelo Sibanda 1/18). India won by eight wickets; India won the series 3-0.
FAQ
What was the result of the third ODI? India Women won by eight wickets, chasing 132 in 17 overs in Vadodara.
Who starred for India? Vaishnavi Sharma with 5 for 39, and unbeaten fifties from Pratika Rawal (59*) and Shafali Verma (51*).
What was the series score? India won the ODI series 3-0, having also swept the preceding T20I series 3-0.
Was this the first India-Zimbabwe women’s bilateral series? Yes — the first time the two sides played a bilateral series.
Sources
- The Economic Times (PTI) — India beat Zimbabwe by 8 wickets to sweep ODI series 3-0: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/cricket/india-beat-zimbabwe-by-8-wickets-to-sweep-odi-series-3-0/articleshow/135270358.cms
- Deccan Herald (PTI) — India thrash Zimbabwe by 8 wickets to sweep women’s ODI series 3-0: https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/india-thrash-zimbabwe-by-8-wickets-to-sweep-womens-odi-series-3-0-4198525
- Rediff (PTI) — India’s 20-year-old spin star bamboozles Zimbabwe: https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/indias-20-year-old-spin-star-mamboozles-zimbabwe-vaishnavi-sharma-harman-smriti/20261028.htm
- The Tribune (ANI) — Vaishnavi’s five-wicket haul powers India women to 3-0 ODI series sweep: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/vaishnavis-five-wicket-haul-powers-india-women-to-3-0-odi-series-sweep-against-zimbabwe/
