Vaishnavi Sharma starred with the ball, while Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma made light work of the chase as India defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third Women’s ODI on Wednesday. The victory helped the hosts complete a 3-0 series sweep.
Playing only her third ODI, the 20-year-old Vaishnavi picked up five wickets to bowl Zimbabwe out for 131 in 39.5 overs. India then chased down the target in just 17 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.
Pratika remained unbeaten on 59 off 56 balls, while Shafali smashed an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries to guide India to a comfortable victory.
Vaishnavi Sharma Runs Through Zimbabwe Batting Line-up
Vaishnavi once again proved difficult to handle as she used flight and variation to trouble the Zimbabwe batters. The left-arm spinner finished with figures of 5/39 in her 10 overs, following her four-wicket haul in the second ODI.
Zimbabwe’s top-order struggles continued as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals. Opener Modester Mupachikwa was their highest scorer, making 37 off 48 balls.
India’s bowlers made an early impact, with Sayali Satghare striking in her first over. Loryn Phiri was caught behind after getting a faint edge down the leg side.
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Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano was the next to depart when she cut a delivery from Shafali Verma straight to the fielder at point.
Vaishnavi then took control of the innings. She dismissed Beloved Biza before getting the better of Mupachikwa, who was stumped by wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia after stepping out to attack a wide, flighted delivery.
The spinner completed her five-wicket haul on the final ball of her spell. Nyasha Gwanzura attempted a slog sweep, but the ball ricocheted off her pads and hit the stumps.
Kranti Gaud and Satghare also played their part with two wickets each as India wrapped up Zimbabwe’s innings inside 40 overs.
Pratika Rawal, Shafali Verma Make Short Work Of The Chase
India’s chase got off to a poor start when Yastika Bhatia, promoted to open alongside Pratika, was dismissed off the first ball she faced. The left-hander attempted a cross-batted shot but ended up being caught at mid-on.
However, the early wicket did little to slow India down. Pratika continued her impressive run in the series, having scored a century and 61 in the first two matches.
Batting at number three, she settled in with a couple of boundaries square of the wicket before going on to complete her 10th ODI half-century in her 30th appearance.
Shafali then joined Pratika and wasted little time in putting pressure on the Zimbabwe bowlers. The right-hander struck an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, hitting boundaries regularly to bring the chase to a quick end.
Pratika’s unbeaten 59 ensured India crossed the finish line comfortably in just 17 overs.
India Make Three Changes To Playing XI
With the series already secured, India made three changes to their playing XI for the final ODI. Harleen Deol, Yastika Bhatia and Kranti Gaud were brought into the side.
Kranti had been rested for the second ODI before returning for the series finale. The ODI series followed India’s 3-0 clean sweep in the preceding T20I series.