Harmanpreet and Deepti’s Centuries Lead India to Series Win Over Zimbabwe
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma's centuries propelled India to a 121-run victory over Zimbabwe, clinching the series in Vadodara.
VADODARA, Oct 26: Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma each scored centuries to guide India to a 121-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second women’s ODI, securing the series. India set a total of 328 for 6, which Zimbabwe could not chase down, finishing at 207 all out in 48.5 overs.
Kaur, who made 126 off 121 balls, achieved her eighth ODI century, surpassing former captain Mithali Raj for the most hundreds by an Indian woman. She shared a critical 153-run partnership with Deepti, who scored an unbeaten 106 from 86 deliveries. Both players hit 15 fours during their innings.
India’s innings faced an early setback when they lost two wickets for just 19 runs, but Kaur’s partnership with Pratika Rawal, who scored 61 off 67 balls, restored stability. Kaur’s century came after three dropped catches by Zimbabwe, and she finally fell to a catch at deep midwicket.
Zimbabwe’s chase began poorly, with opening batter Loryn Phiri dismissed cheaply. Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano showed some promise with a 69-run partnership but were unable to sustain the pressure. Both scored in the 40s, but once Sayali Satghare took out Tiripano, the Zimbabwean innings collapsed rapidly.
Vaishnavi Sharma played a crucial role in dismantling the Zimbabwean batting order, taking four wickets for 39 runs. Deepti also contributed significantly with the ball, finishing with three wickets.
“The biggest positive was to get to 328 from 19-2,” said India captain Smriti Mandhana, reflecting on the team’s recovery from its early troubles.
Following the match, Kaur expressed her delight in returning to form after stepping back from the captaincy. “Cricket is something that gives me happiness,” she said. Mandhana praised both Kaur and Deepti for their contributions and the effectiveness of their bowling strategy.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
