IND-W vs ZIM-WFollowing the T20 series, the Indian women's cricket team has also won the ODI series against Zimbabwe. Under the leadership of new captain Smriti Mandhana, the Indian team defeated Zimbabwe by 121 runs in the second ODI held in Vadodara.
Powered by centuries from former captain Harmanpreet Kaur and new vice-captain Deepti Sharma, the Indian team posted a total of 328 runs. In response, the Zimbabwe side was bowled out for 207 runs in 48.5 overs. With this, the Indian team has taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Memorable Centuries by Harman and Deepti
In the match played at Kotambi Stadium on Sunday, October 25, the Indian team batted first. However, the Indian innings did not get off to a good start. Captain Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma returned to the pavilion early, leaving the team at 19 for 2. At this juncture, opener Pratika Rawal, along with former captain Harmanpreet, stabilized the innings by forging a 124-run partnership.
Following this, Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma settled in, stitching together a magnificent 153-run partnership. During this stand, Harmanpreet reached her 8th WODI century off 100 balls. She was eventually dismissed after scoring 126 runs (121 balls, 15 fours).
At the other end, however, Deepti ensured the run rate did not drop. She brought up her second ODI century off 83 balls—a milestone that arrived after a long wait of 3,450 days. Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 runs (86 balls).
A Brilliant Comeback by Vaishnavi
Zimbabwe needed a strong start to chase down India’s imposing total, but Sri Charani struck early, dismissing Loryn Phiri (6). Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano then offered a glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe by stitching together a 69-run partnership for the second wicket. However, young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma broke the stand by claiming the wicket of Mupachikwa. This marked the first wicket of Vaishnavi’s career, following her return from an injury.
Vaishnavi, however, was not content with just one wicket. She went on to dismiss Beloved Biza, Michelle Mavunga, and Josephine Nkomo, finishing with an impressive haul of 4 wickets for 39 runs.
Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma who had earlier scored a century claimed the wickets of Nyasha Gwanzura and Nomvelo Sibanda with consecutive deliveries in the 46th over. Ultimately, the entire Zimbabwean side could only reach 207 runs, and India secured a comfortable victory.
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