India completed a 3-0 sweep of the women’s ODI series against Zimbabwe after registering a convincing eight-wicket victory in the third match on Wednesday.Young left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma starred with five wickets, while Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma scored unbeaten half-centuries to help India chase the target of 132 in just 17 overs.Playing only her third ODI, the 20-year-old Vaishnavi delivered an impressive performance, taking five wickets for 39 runs in her 10 overs. She had also picked up four wickets in the second ODI, showing her growing impact at the international level.Vaishnavi troubled the Zimbabwe batters with her flight and variations, forcing them into mistakes. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs, with opener Modester Mupachikwa top-scoring with 37 off 48 balls.India’s fast bowlers also contributed to the visitors’ collapse. Sayali Satghare struck in her first over to dismiss opener Loryn Phiri, while Shafali Verma removed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano.Vaishnavi then took control, dismissing key batters, including Mupachikwa, who was stumped after stepping out of her crease. Kranti Gaud and Satghare picked up two wickets each to support the spinner.
Pratika and Shafali finish the chase
India’s chase suffered an early setback when Yastika Bhatia was caught at mid-on off the first ball she faced. However, Pratika kept the innings steady and continued her strong run in the series after scoring 100 and 61 in the first two matches.Batting at number three, Pratika struck an unbeaten 59 off 56 balls, recording her 10th ODI half-century in her 30th match. Shafali joined her and accelerated the scoring with an aggressive display, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries.The pair ensured India reached the target comfortably without losing another wicket.India had also won the preceding T20 series 3-0, completing a clean sweep across both formats. The ODI series was the first bilateral women’s cricket series between India and Zimbabwe, giving the visitors valuable experience against a top international side. India made three changes to their playing eleven for the final match, bringing in Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia and Kranti Gaud.
