Vadodara, October 2026 : Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma claimed her maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket as India Women bowled out Zimbabwe Women for 131 in 39.5 overs in the third and final ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday.
Vaishnavi returned impressive figures of 5/39, while Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets apiece to dismantle Zimbabwe’s batting lineup. Sayali finished with 2/11, while Kranti claimed 2/23, ensuring the visitors failed to build a competitive total.
India, who entered the match aiming to complete a clean sweep in the three-match ODI series, now need 132 runs to secure victory.
Zimbabwe struggled from the outset after being asked to bat first. Sayali struck early, dismissing Loryn Phiri for a six-ball duck in the second over. Kranti followed up by removing Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano for four in the next over, leaving the visitors under immediate pressure.
Beloved Biza also failed to make an impact, scoring just one run off 16 deliveries as India’s bowlers maintained a tight line and length. The early dismissals left Zimbabwe struggling to establish momentum despite favourable batting conditions on a sunny day.
The top order collapsed with the score still in the twenties, forcing the middle order to rebuild the innings. Modester Mupachikwa and captain Josephine Nkomo offered some resistance, scoring 37 and 35 runs respectively.
Mupachikwa and Nkomo put together a 27-run partnership for the fourth wicket, briefly stabilising the innings. However, India continued to strike at regular intervals, preventing Zimbabwe from developing a substantial partnership.
Chiedza Dhururu contributed 20 runs, while Nyasha Gwanzura managed 10. No other batter could provide the resistance needed to push the visitors towards a challenging total.
Vaishnavi proved particularly effective through the middle and lower order, capitalising on the pressure created by India’s seamers. Her five-wicket haul marked a significant personal milestone and helped ensure Zimbabwe could not recover from their early setbacks.
Sayali and Kranti also played crucial roles in maintaining India’s control, with their timely breakthroughs preventing any late recovery.
Zimbabwe eventually folded for 131 in 39.5 overs, falling well short of the 200-run mark that captain Nkomo had considered a reasonable target before the match.
India captain Smriti Mandhana’s pre-match wish to restrict Zimbabwe to a modest total was fulfilled through a disciplined collective bowling performance. The hosts will now look to complete the series sweep with a successful chase.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe Women 131 all out in 39.5 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 37, Josephine Nkomo 35; Vaishnavi Sharma 5/39, Sayali Satghare 2/11) against India Women. Target: 132 runs.
Match Score: India Women 0/0 (chase yet to begin).
