Vadodara, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shafali Verma smashed a 26-ball half-century to equal the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman batter as India defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third and final match at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Chasing a modest target of 132, India raced to 133/2 in just 17 overs. Shafali remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, while Pratika Rawal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 59. India sealed the victory with 33 overs to spare, capping a dominant performance in the 50-over series after also winning the T20I leg of the tour.
Shafali’s half-century came off just 26 deliveries, equalling Richa Ghosh’s record against New Zealand at Queenstown in 2022 for the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman. Smriti Mandhana holds the record, having reached her half-century in 23 balls against Australia in Delhi in 2025.
The 22-year-old Shafali also bettered her personal best of a 29-ball fifty, which she had recorded earlier in the series against Zimbabwe.
India’s chase began on a shaky note when opener Yastika Bhatia was dismissed for a second-ball duck. Harleen Deol contributed 19 off 19 balls before departing, but Shafali and Pratika took charge after her dismissal, accelerating the scoring and leaving Zimbabwe with little opportunity to recover from the early breakthroughs.
Pratika’s composed innings kept India on course, while Shafali’s explosive strokeplay ensured a comfortable finish. The pair guided India home without further setbacks.
Earlier, Zimbabwe, after electing to bat first, were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs. India’s bowlers shared the responsibility effectively, preventing the visitors from building substantial partnerships. Vaishnavi Sharma led the attack with her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, finishing with figures of 5-39.
Sayali Satghare claimed 2-11, while Kranti Gaud took 2-23 as India’s bowling unit dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order.
Modester Mupachikwa top-scored for Zimbabwe with 37, while Josephine Nkomo made 35 and Chiedza Dhururu contributed 20. Zimbabwe lost three wickets during the power play and failed to rebuild their innings, eventually settling for a below-par total.
The victory completed a successful tour for India, who had already won the T20I series before carrying their momentum into the ODI leg. Zimbabwe finished the tour without a win in either format.
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).
India Women: 133/2 in 17 overs (Pratika Rawal 59 not out, Shafali Verma 51 not out; Loryn Phiri 1-28).
India Women won by eight wickets.
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