Vaishnavi five-for and Rawal, Shafali fifties power India to 3-0 sweep

India Women capped off a completely dominant campaign against Zimbabwe Women in Vadodara, securing a swift eight-wicket victory in the final ODI to seal a clean 3-0 series sweep. Building on their earlier T20I success, the host side produced another clinical all-round performance, bundling Zimbabwe out for just 131 before hunting down the target in a mere 13.2 overs with 198 balls to spare. The star of the show with the ball was 20-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who recorded brilliant figures of 5 for 39 to tear through the opposition batting order. India then showcased their incredible batting depth, reshuffling their lineup and cruising to victory on the back of half-centuries from Pratika Rawal (59* off 56) and Shafali Verma (51* off 26). Early Discipline with the Ball Sets the Tone Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe hoped to set a competitive score, but India's new-ball bowlers immediately put the pressure on. Opening seamers Sayali Satghare (2/11) and Kranti Gaud (2/23) bowled tight, disciplined lines around off stump. The mounting pressure forced early mistakes: Loryn Phiri fell for a six-ball duck after inside-edging Satghare to wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano slashed at a wide delivery off Gaud, catching an edge to Shafali Verma. By the end of the ten-over powerplay, Zimbabwe had limped to 30 for 3, facing an astonishing 46 dot balls from India's pace and spin quartet. Vaishnavi Sharma's Spin Masterclass Introduced in the tenth over, Vaishnavi Sharma made an impact on her very first delivery. Beloved Biza charged down the track, only to chip a catch straight to mid-on for 1 off 16 balls. Opening batter Modester Mupachikwa attempted a counter-attack, striking seven boundaries in her crisp 37 off 48 balls. However, lack of support from the other end forced her to take risks. Attempting another lofted hit over mid-on off Vaishnavi, Mupachikwa was smartly stumped. Vaishnavi’s flight and deceptive dip kept the batters guessing throughout her spell: Chiedza Dhururu (20) mistimed a dipping ball into a leading edge to extra cover. Michelle Mavunga mistimed a lofted hit off another slow, flighted delivery. Nyasha Gwanzura bottom-edged an attempted sweep onto her stumps, handing Vaishnavi her maiden five-wicket haul on the final ball of her ten-over spell. Zimbabwe's innings collapsed to 131 all out in the 40th over, with Satghare returning to take the ninth wicket and Nomvelo Sibanda getting run out to wrap up the innings. Batting Experiments and a Blitzkrieg Chase With a modest target of 132, the Indian management used the chase to experiment with the batting order. Yastika Bhatia made her return to the ODI side after two years to open, but fell first ball to Sibanda. Harleen Deol, playing her first game of the series, chipped in with a brisk 19 off 19 balls before being strangled down the leg side off Phiri. Captain Smriti Mandhana didn't even need to pad up, as Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma put on a masterclass in aggressive strokeplay. Rawal's Composed Dominance Rawal anchored one side of the chase while constantly finding the boundary. She used her feet well and played powerful shots all around the park, finishing unbeaten on 59 off 56 deliveries (including four boundaries and two sixes). Shafali's Explosive Cameo at No. 4 Batting at No. 4 for the first time in her ODI career, Shafali Verma tore into the opposition bowling attack: She raced into her stride instantly, striking five boundaries in her first 13 balls. Relying on raw power and immaculate timing, she smashed three towering sixes after stepping down the track. Her final six not only sealed the 3-0 series sweep but also completed her half-century off just 26 balls—the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman. The duo added an unbroken 74-run stand in just 50 deliveries to hand India a resounding victory with 33 overs to spare. Key Performance Highlights Vaishnavi Sharma: 5/39 in 10 overs (Maiden ODI five-wicket haul) Shafali Verma: 51* off 26 balls (3 sixes, 5 fours; 2nd fastest ODI 50 for India) Pratika Rawal: 59* off 56 balls (Controlled yet aggressive run-chase) Sayali Satghare: 2/11 in 5 overs (Early breakthroughs and tight control)