India produced another dominant performance to defeat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third and final ODI, completing a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma led the bowling attack with an impressive five-wicket haul, while Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal delivered explosive half-centuries to guide India to victory.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to bat but struggled against India's disciplined bowling attack. The visitors were restricted to just 131 runs, with Vaishnavi finishing with figures of 5 for 39. India then chased down the target comfortably, losing only two wickets and reaching the total with 33 overs to spare.
Vaishnavi Leads India's Dominant Bowling Display
India made an early breakthrough as Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare troubled Zimbabwe's batters with accurate lines and movement with the new ball. Zimbabwe slipped to 12 for 2 within the first three overs and struggled to build momentum throughout the innings.
Vaishnavi Sharma made an immediate impact after being introduced into the attack in the 10th over, dismissing Beloved Biza for just one run. She continued to apply pressure with her variations and turn, preventing Zimbabwe from establishing meaningful partnerships.
Opening batter Modester Mupachikwa offered some resistance with a fighting 37 off 48 deliveries, including seven boundaries. However, the lack of support from the other end left Zimbabwe in trouble.
Vaishnavi broke through again by dismissing Mupachikwa through a stumping before removing Chiedza Dhururu and Michelle Mavunga. She completed her five-wicket haul on the final ball of her 10th over, when Nyasha Gwanzura edged a sweep onto her stumps.
Satghare claimed another wicket, while Olinder Chare was dismissed for a duck and Nomvelo Sibanda was run out for three. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 131, with 10 overs remaining in their innings.
Rawal and Shafali Complete the Chase in Style
India's chase began with an early setback as Yastika Bhatia was dismissed for a first-ball duck. However, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol quickly took control, helping India reach 37 for 1 in just five overs.
Rawal played an attacking innings, combining crisp drives with powerful pulls and strokes through the leg side. She scored a rapid 59 not out off 56 balls, providing the foundation for India's comfortable victory.
Deol contributed 19 off 19 deliveries before being dismissed by Loryn Phiri. Shafali Verma, batting at No. 4 for the first time in her career in ODIs, then joined Rawal and transformed the chase into a one-sided contest.
The pair added an unbeaten 74-run partnership off just 50 deliveries. Shafali dominated the stand with an outstanding 51 not out off 26 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes. Her aggressive approach and ability to clear the boundary brought India within touching distance of victory in quick time.
Shafali sealed the win with a six, recording India's second-fastest half-century in women's ODIs.
India Complete a Clean Sweep
India's victory capped a commanding series in which their bowlers consistently restricted Zimbabwe and their batters chased targets with ease. The team also completed a 3-0 sweep in the ODI series after achieving a similar clean sweep in the T20I series.
Vaishnavi's five-wicket performance and the rapid half-centuries from Rawal and Shafali highlighted India's depth and dominance. With a convincing all-round display in the final match, India finished the series on a high note, leaving Zimbabwe with plenty to reflect on after three one-sided contests.
