Kotambi, Oct 29:
India completed a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe in the three-match women’s ODI series with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the third and final match at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Wednesday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma led India’s bowling attack with her maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5/39 in 10 overs. Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare claimed two wickets each.
Modester Mupachikwa top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37, while captain Josephine Nkomo contributed 35. However, the visitors struggled to build partnerships against India’s disciplined bowling attack and were unable to post a challenging total.
India made short work of the target, reaching 133/2 in just 17 overs to seal an eight-wicket win. Pratika Rawal remained unbeaten on 59 off 56 balls, while Shafali Verma produced an aggressive innings of 51 off just 26 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. Harleen Deol added 19 before being dismissed.
The victory followed India’s nine-wicket win in the opening ODI and a 121-run triumph in the second match. The series also marked Smriti Mandhana’s first ODI assignment as India’s full-time captain, with the team delivering a dominant performance in all three matches.