Shafali Verma blazed a 26-ball fifty — equalling the second-fastest half-century by an Indian woman in ODIs — as she and Pratika Rawal steered India Women to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women in the third and final ODI at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara on 28 October 2026, completing a clinical 3-0 series sweep. Chasing a modest 132, India knocked off the target in just 17 overs, sealing their most dominant bilateral series result of the home season.

Shafali's Record-Equalling Knock

Shafali Verma, 22, finished unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, matching Richa Ghosh's effort against New Zealand at Queenstown in 2022 as the joint-second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian woman. The record for the fastest remains with Smriti Mandhana, who reached her half-century in 23 balls against Australia at Delhi in 2025. Notably, Shafali also surpassed her own personal best of a 29-ball fifty she had set earlier in this very series, underlining her growing impact as a powerhouse top-order batter.

The Chase: Dominant from Ball One

India's reply was briefly interrupted when opener Yastika Bhatia departed for a second-ball duck. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol steadied the innings before Harleen fell for 19 off 19 balls. Shafali then joined Pratika at the crease and the pair dismantled Zimbabwe's modest target with relentless hitting, leaving the visitors with no room to exploit the early breakthrough. Pratika remained unbeaten on 59, her composed knock anchoring the innings while Shafali provided the fireworks. India reached 133/2 in 17 overs, with 33 overs to spare — a statement of outright dominance.

Vaishnavi Sharma's Maiden Five-For

Earlier, Zimbabwe Women were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs after electing to bat. Vaishnavi Sharma claimed her first ODI five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-39. Sayali Satghare (2-11) and Kranti Gaud (2-23) also picked up two wickets apiece, ensuring Zimbabwe could not build any meaningful partnerships. The tourists lost three wickets in the power play and never recovered, eventually posting a total far below a competitive par score. Modester Mupachikwa top-scored with 37, supported by Josephine Nkomo's 35 and Chiedza Dhururu's 20.

Series Context and What's Next

The win capped a comprehensive home campaign for India, who had also won the preceding T20I series before carrying their momentum into the ODIs. Zimbabwe ended the tour without a single win across either format. This is India Women's cleanest bilateral series result in recent memory at home, and it reaffirms their depth across batting and bowling departments. With Shafali's form peaking and Vaishnavi Sharma emerging as a potent bowling option, India's selectors will have plenty of positives to carry into upcoming assignments.

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) lost to India Women 133/2 in 17.0 overs (Pratika Rawal 59 not out, Shafali Verma 51 not out; Loryn Phiri 1-28) by eight wickets.