Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma scored centuries as India defeated Zimbabwe by 121 runs in the second women’s ODI in Vadodara on October 25, securing the three-match series.
India finished on 328 for six after recovering from an early setback. Harmanpreet made 126 from 121 balls, while Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 deliveries. Their 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket transformed the innings and gave India a strong total to defend.
Harmanpreet’s innings featured 15 boundaries and marked her eighth century in women’s ODIs. Deepti also struck 15 fours, reaching her second hundred in the format. Her previous ODI century came against Ireland in May 2017, making the latest achievement her first in more than nine years.
India’s total proved beyond Zimbabwe’s reach. The visitors were dismissed for 207 in 48.5 overs, falling 122 runs short of the target of 329. Deepti contributed with the ball as well, taking three wickets, while Vaishnavi Sharma claimed four to lead India’s bowling effort.
The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with one match remaining. The contest also provided Zimbabwe with valuable experience against a strong opposition during the bilateral series, their first bilateral women’s ODI series . For India, the performances of Harmanpreet and Deepti demonstrated the value of experienced players building an innings after early wickets. Their partnership lifted the scoring rate and gave the bowlers enough runs to apply pressure throughout Zimbabwe’s chase.
