Our Bureau
Vadodara
Centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma powered India to a commanding 121-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second women’s One-Day International (ODI) on Sunday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. India posted 328 for six in 50 overs before bowling out Zimbabwe for 207 in 48.5 overs.
Harmanpreet scored 126 off 121 balls, while Deepti remained unbeaten on 106 off 86 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma claimed four wickets for 39 runs, playing a decisive role in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting line-up. Deepti also contributed with the ball, taking three wickets for 32 runs.
India’s innings began poorly after openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were dismissed early, leaving the hosts struggling at 19 for two. Pratika Rawal and Harmanpreet steadied the innings with a 124-run partnership. Rawal scored 61 off 67 balls before departing, followed shortly by Tejal Hasabnis.
Harmanpreet and Deepti then took control, adding a crucial partnership that propelled India past the 300-run mark. Harmanpreet registered her eighth ODI century, surpassing Mithali Raj’s tally of seven centuries to become India’s leading centurion in women’s ODIs. Deepti accelerated towards the end, reaching her hundred in the final over and helping India finish with a formidable total.
In response, Zimbabwe struggled to maintain the required scoring rate despite contributions from Modester Mupachikwa, who scored 49, and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, who made 46. Their 69-run partnership briefly offered resistance before India’s bowlers turned the match decisively in their favour.
Vaishnavi’s four-wicket haul weakened Zimbabwe’s middle order, while Deepti removed three batters to wrap up the innings. Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 207, handing India a comprehensive victory.
India will now aim to complete a clean sweep in the third and final ODI, scheduled for October 28 in Vadodara.