Cricket / 3rd ODI: Shafali Equals Record as India Crush Zimbabwe to Complete 3-0 Sweep
·1 hour ago·2 min read
Key Points
Shafali Verma's unbeaten 26-ball fifty, equalling the second-fastest ODI half-century by an Indian woman, and Pratika Rawal's unbeaten 59 guided India to an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara, completing a comprehensive 3-0 ODI series sweep.
Vadodara, Oct 28: Shafali Verma produced a blistering unbeaten half-century to equal the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman batter as India wrapped up a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third and final ODI at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 132, India raced to 133/2 in just 17 overs. Shafali remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 deliveries, while Pratika Rawal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59 as the hosts sealed victory with 33 overs to spare.
Shafali's half-century came off just 26 balls, matching Richa Ghosh's feat against New Zealand in Queenstown in 2022 as the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman. The record remains with Smriti Mandhana, who reached the milestone in 23 balls against Australia in Delhi in 2025.
The 22-year-old bettered her own previous best of a 29-ball fifty, which she had registered earlier in the series against Zimbabwe.
Chasing a modest target of 132, India raced to 133/2 in just 17 overs. Shafali remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 deliveries, while Pratika Rawal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59 as the hosts sealed victory with 33 overs to spare.
Shafali's half-century came off just 26 balls, matching Richa Ghosh's feat against New Zealand in Queenstown in 2022 as the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman. The record remains with Smriti Mandhana, who reached the milestone in 23 balls against Australia in Delhi in 2025.
The 22-year-old bettered her own previous best of a 29-ball fifty, which she had registered earlier in the series against Zimbabwe.
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India's chase began with an early setback when Yastika Bhatia departed for a second-ball duck. Harleen Deol contributed 19 off 19 balls before falling, but Zimbabwe failed to capitalise on the breakthrough.
Shafali then joined forces with Pratika, and the pair took complete control of the contest with an aggressive yet calculated partnership. Pratika's composed half-century ensured there were no further hiccups as India comfortably crossed the finish line.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, after opting to bat, were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs. The visitors struggled to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Also Read: India Crush New Zealand as Abhishek Sharma's Record Ton Seals Series 3-0
Vaishnavi Sharma starred with the ball, claiming her maiden ODI five-wicket haul and finishing with figures of 5 for 39. Sayali Satghare (2/11) and Kranti Gaud (2/23) provided excellent support as India dismantled the Zimbabwe batting line-up.
Modester Mupachikwa top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37, while Josephine Nkomo made 35 and Chiedza Dhururu added 20. However, regular wickets prevented the visitors from posting a competitive total.
The victory capped a successful tour for India, who had also won the T20I series, while Zimbabwe finished without a win across either format.
(With inputs from IANS)
Shafali then joined forces with Pratika, and the pair took complete control of the contest with an aggressive yet calculated partnership. Pratika's composed half-century ensured there were no further hiccups as India comfortably crossed the finish line.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, after opting to bat, were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs. The visitors struggled to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Also Read: India Crush New Zealand as Abhishek Sharma's Record Ton Seals Series 3-0
Vaishnavi Sharma starred with the ball, claiming her maiden ODI five-wicket haul and finishing with figures of 5 for 39. Sayali Satghare (2/11) and Kranti Gaud (2/23) provided excellent support as India dismantled the Zimbabwe batting line-up.
Modester Mupachikwa top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37, while Josephine Nkomo made 35 and Chiedza Dhururu added 20. However, regular wickets prevented the visitors from posting a competitive total.
The victory capped a successful tour for India, who had also won the T20I series, while Zimbabwe finished without a win across either format.
(With inputs from IANS)
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