India will look to seal the women's ODI series against Zimbabwe when the two sides meet in the 2nd ODI at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara on 25 October 2026 at 2:00 PM IST. Riding a convincing nine-wicket win in the series opener on Friday, the hosts enter the match in commanding form, with both bat and ball firing in unison.

India's First-Match Dominance

In the series opener, India bowled Zimbabwe out for 197 before knocking off the target with a remarkable 137 balls to spare. Left-arm spinner Sree Charani was the standout performer with a career-best 4 for 23, relying on tight lines to keep Zimbabwe's batters in check throughout the innings. Pacer Kranti Gaud complemented her superbly with a 3 for 42, and the Indian team management will be keen for that bowling combination to deliver again on Sunday.

This series comes after India swept the T20I leg 3-0 in Raipur, underlining the gulf in form between the two sides on this tour. Notably, the Vadodara pitch is a fresh red-soil surface, which is expected to offer assistance to spinners as the match progresses.

Key Batting Performances to Build On

With the bat, opener Pratika Rawal was exceptional in the first ODI, stroking an unbeaten century off 96 balls — her third ODI hundred — laced with 15 fours. Her composed knock anchored the chase and signalled a player firmly in the zone heading into Sunday's encounter.

Equally impressive was Shafali Verma, who hammered an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes, while batting at number three in ODIs for only the second time. The explosive cameo suggests captain Smriti Mandhana's side is actively experimenting with batting orders ahead of the multi-format tour of South Africa, using this Zimbabwe series as a testing ground for different combinations.

Zimbabwe's Brightest Hope

For Zimbabwe, 17-year-old Beloved Biza was the standout batter in the first match, holding the innings together with a patient 62 off 92 balls — her fourth ODI half-century. She is expected to be the visitors' primary batting threat again on Sunday, and Zimbabwe will need her to convert that temperament into a bigger score if they are to mount a serious challenge.

Captain Josephine Nkomo's side will need a collective effort across departments to avoid a series defeat, but the manner of the first game suggests India hold a sizeable advantage in both skill and momentum.

What India Need to Fix

Despite the comprehensive victory, India's management noted two early fielding lapses that will need addressing before Sunday. Given the team's focus on building the right systems ahead of the South Africa tour, such fine-tuning in the field could prove crucial in tighter contests down the line.

Match Details and How to Watch

The 2nd ODI between India and Zimbabwe is scheduled for 25 October 2026 at 2:00 PM IST at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara. Live television coverage will be available on the Star Sports network, with live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.

India squad: Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita.

Zimbabwe squad: Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Nyasha Gwanzura, Josephine Nkomo (captain), Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Loryn Phiri, Francisca Chipare, Kudzai Chigora, Nomvelo Sibanda (vice-captain), Olinder Chare, Michelle Mavunga, Tendai Makusha.

A series clinch on Sunday would further strengthen India's ICC Women's Championship campaign and set the tone for a demanding South Africa assignment ahead.