Harmanpreet, Deepti centuries help India seal series

Vadodara: Powerful centuries from veterans Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma, complemented by a brilliant four-wicket haul from young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, propelled India to a commanding 121-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI in Vadodara. The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead, marking Smriti Mandhana’s first series victory as full-time ODI captain. Twin Centuries Resurrect India's Innings After electing to bat, India endured a shaky start, losing captain Smriti Mandhana for a duck in the opening over off Nomatter Mutasa-Sibanda, followed closely by Shafali Verma for 5. Sinking to 19 for 2, India needed a solid partnership, which arrived through Pratika Rawal and Harmanpreet Kaur. Rawal and Harmanpreet compiled a steady 124-run stand for the third wicket. Rawal struck a watchful 61 off 67 balls—including two lofted sixes—before falling in the 23rd over. When Tejal Hasabnis departed shortly after, India were left in a precarious spot at 149 for 4. That was when Harmanpreet was joined by Deepti Sharma. The pair dominated the Zimbabwe bowling attack, constructing a massive 155-run partnership—a record fifth-wicket stand for India in women’s ODIs. Harmanpreet Kaur batted with control and finesse, reaching her 8th ODI century off 102 balls. She was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 126 off 121 balls, laced with 15 boundaries. Deepti Sharma took the attack to the spinners right from the start, reaching a 40-ball fifty before accelerating to her second ODI century in the final over. Finishing unbeaten on 106 off 86 balls (15 fours), Deepti's effort came 3,450 days after her maiden ODI hundred in 2017—marking the second-longest gap between centuries in women's ODI history. It was also the second-highest score by a batter at No. 6 or lower in the format. Behind their heroics, India posted a formidable total of 328 for 6 in their 50 overs. Zimbabwe Fight Back Before Collapse Chasing 329, Zimbabwe got off to a confident start behind Modester Mupachikwa (49) and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano (46). The duo added 69 runs for the second wicket, keeping the scoreboard moving and taking Zimbabwe to 107 for 1 in the 22nd over. However, Sayali Satghare broke the partnership by bowling Mugeri-Tiripano for 46, knocking back her off stump and swinging the momentum back to India. Vaishnavi and Deepti Wrap Up the Win Playing in just her second ODI, left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma turned the game decisively in India’s favor. Breakthrough: Vaishnavi removed Mupachikwa for 49, thanks to a diving forward catch by substitute Harleen Deol at backward point, securing her maiden ODI wicket. Middle-Order Dismantling: Varying her pace and flight expertly, Vaishnavi went on to trap Beloved Biza (34) lbw via a successful review, bowled Michelle Mavunga, and trapped Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo (22) lbw. She finished with impressive figures of 4 for 39. Deepti Sharma then returned with the ball to complete a stellar all-round match performance. She took two wickets in successive deliveries in the 46th over to finish with 3 for 39. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 207 in the 49th over, handing India a decisive 121-run win and the series trophy. Key Match Highlights India: 328/6 in 50 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 126, Deepti Sharma 106*, Pratika Rawal 61; Nomatter Mutasa-Sibanda 2-38) Zimbabwe: 207 all out in 48.4 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 49, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 46; Vaishnavi Sharma 4-39, Deepti Sharma 3-39) Result: India won by 121 runs and won the 3-match series 2-0.