Vaishnavi’s Five-Wicket Blitz Powers India to 3-0 ODI Sweep Against Zimbabwe

India’s women’s cricket team completed a dominant 3-0 sweep of the ODI series against Zimbabwe with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the third and final match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma starred with a five-wicket haul, while Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma struck unbeaten half-centuries to guide India to a comfortable win.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to bat but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack, losing wickets at regular intervals. Sayali Satghare dismissed Loryn Phiri in the second over, while Kranti Gaud removed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano for four in the following over, leaving the visitors in early trouble.

Vaishnavi then dismissed Beloved Biza for one before breaking a 27-run partnership by having opener Modester Mupachikwa stumped for 37. Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo attempted to stabilise the innings, sharing a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Chiedza Dhururu, who scored 20 off 39 balls.

However, Vaishnavi dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle order to complete her five-wicket haul, restricting the visitors to 131 in 39.5 overs. Satghare and Gaud supported her with two wickets each.

India’s chase began with an early setback when Yastika Bhatia was dismissed by Nomvelo Sibanda off the first ball, with Francisca Chipare taking the catch. Harleen Deol contributed 19 off 19 balls, including four boundaries, before falling to Loryn Phiri.

With India needing a steady partnership, Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal took charge, adding an unbeaten 74 runs for the third wicket. Rawal remained not out on 59, while Shafali finished unbeaten on 51. Shafali sealed the victory with a six, completing her half-century in style as India reached the target with eight wickets in hand.

The emphatic victory marked another successful outing for the hosts, who had already secured the ODI series before the final match. India also swept the preceding T20I series 3-0, completing a clean sweep of both formats against Zimbabwe.