Vadodara, 28 October (H.S.): A superb five-wicket haul by Vaishnavi Sharma, coupled with unbeaten half-centuries from Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma, powered the Indian women’s cricket team to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) on Wednesday. With the win at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, India completed a comprehensive 3-0 sweep of the three-match series after bowling Zimbabwe out for 131 and chasing down the target comfortably.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Sayali Satghare provided India with the opening breakthrough in the second over, dismissing Lorine Phiri. In the following over, Kranti Gaud sent Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano back to the pavilion for four runs.

Vaishnavi Sharma struck next, removing Beloved Biza for one run to leave Zimbabwe reeling. She then broke a 27-run partnership by having opener Modester Mupachikwa stumped for 37, further tightening India’s grip on the contest.

Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo attempted to stabilise the innings, combining with Chiedza Dhururu for a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dhururu contributed 20 runs off 39 balls.

However, Vaishnavi dismantled the middle order to complete her five-wicket haul, restricting Zimbabwe to 131 in 39.5 overs. Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud also made valuable contributions, claiming two wickets apiece.

### Pratika and Shafali Guide India to a Comfortable Victory

India suffered an early setback in the chase when Nomvelo Sibanda dismissed Yastika Bhatia off the very first ball, with Francesca Chipare completing the catch.

Harleen Deol attempted to steady the innings, scoring 19 runs off 19 balls, including four boundaries. However, Lorine Phiri dismissed her to leave India at 44 for two.

Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma then took control of the chase, stitching together an unbeaten 74-run partnership for the third wicket to guide India to victory.

Pratika remained unbeaten on 59, while Shafali finished on 51 not out. Shafali brought up her half-century with a six and helped India cross the finish line with eight wickets in hand.

With this victory, India sealed the ODI series 3-0. The team had also registered a 3-0 clean sweep against Zimbabwe in the preceding Twenty20 International (T20I) series.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar