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Vaishnavi Sharma's 5 for 39 helps India women sweep Zimbabwe 3-0 in ODIs
In 60 seconds: Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma took 5 for 39, her first five-wicket haul in ODIs, as India women beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third ODI at Vadodara on Wednesday to sweep the series 3-0. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131. Pratika Rawal (59 not out) and Shafali Verma (51 not out) then finished the chase in just 17 overs. India had also won the T20 series 3-0.
Why it matters
Young players are making the most of their chances in the world champion side. Vaishnavi, only 20, is now the second-youngest Indian woman to take an ODI five-for.
Explain it simply
A good chai-maker gets the tea, milk and sugar right every single time. India got every match right too: six games against Zimbabwe, six wins.
The 3-minute read
What happened
Zimbabwe chose to bat at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, and were all out in 39.5 overs. Opener Modester Mupachikwa top-scored with 37. Sayali Satghare and Kranti Gaud took two wickets each, and India lost Yastika Bhatia to the first ball of the chase before Rawal and Shafali took over.
Background
India won the first ODI by nine wickets and the second by 121 runs. Vaishnavi had also taken four wickets in the second match.
How it works
Playing only her third ODI, Vaishnavi stumped the dangerous Mupachikwa to break a partnership and then ran through the middle order with her left-arm spin.
What's next
The selectors will weigh these young performers as India build their squad for coming tours and the next global events.
What it means for you
Watch the women's team's next series to see whether Vaishnavi keeps her place in the side.
Key numbers
- 5/39: Vaishnavi Sharma's bowling figures
- 131: Zimbabwe's all-out total
- 17 overs: Time India took to chase
- 20 yrs 314 days: Vaishnavi's age on the day
Both sides
- Supporters of the young side: Series like this give new players match time and confidence at international level.
- Cautious observers: Wins against a weaker team must be tested against top sides before drawing big conclusions.
Key terms explained
- Five-wicket haul
- When a bowler takes five or more wickets in one innings, a major milestone.
- Left-arm spinner
- A slow bowler who bowls with the left arm and makes the ball turn off the pitch.
The story so far
- 2 Nov 2025: India win their first Women's ODI World Cup, beating South Africa in the final. India beat South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai to win the Women's ODI World Cup for the first time, a landmark for women's cricket in the country.
- Oct 2026: India sweep the T20 series against Zimbabwe 3-0 before the ODIs. Zimbabwe's tour of India began with three T20 internationals. India won all three before the ODI series.
- Today: Vaishnavi's 5/39 seals India women's 3-0 ODI sweep of Zimbabwe
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- Deepti Sharma (18 years, 179 days, in 2016) is the youngest Indian woman to take an ODI five-wicket haul.
- India won their first Women's ODI World Cup in November 2025, beating South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai.
- A One Day International (ODI) is played over a maximum of 50 overs per side.
- The International Cricket Council (ICC), cricket's world governing body, is headquartered in Dubai.
Likely exam question: Who is the youngest Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in ODIs? When did India win their first Women's ODI World Cup?