An outstanding team effort from the Women in Blue, especially Player of the Series Shafali Verma and Player of the Match Harmanpreet Kaur… followed by Nandini Sharma’s three wicket haul helped India win the third women’s T20I by 92 runs in Raipur. India clinched the three-match series 3-0 versus Zimbabwe.

Shafali-Anushka power India to a solid start

Openers Shafali Verma and Anushka Sharma gave India a flying start, stitching together a commanding 54 runs opening stand that laid the perfect foundation. Shafali brought her trademark aggressive style of batting to the crease while Anushka ably supported her at the other end. They set the platform for the other batters to build on. Anushka later perished on 28(20) as Nyasha Gwanzura took a phenomenal catch to send her back to the pavilion. India was 59/1 at the end of the powerplay.

Fearless Shafali set the stage ablaze, smashed power packed half ton

Shafali Verma turned up the heat with back-to-back half tons in Raipur.  She pierced the gaps well and cleared the ropes with authority to keep the runs flowing. She shifted gears when necessary, putting India in a commanding position… underlining her ability to dictate terms at the top. Her quick fire 69 came in 37 balls, which included six fours and five huge sixes. In the process, she also stitched a valuable 84 runs partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur.

Harmanpreet’s masterclass knock of 91* full of class, composure and carnage

When it mattered the most, our very own Harmanpreet Kaur stood up and delivered a fabulous knock of 91*(41), aced with 10 fours and five sixes, SR-221.95. Experience counts and she brought her wealth of knowledge in the middle with a composed yet commanding half century, her 19th in the format. She picked her moments to attack and ensured India went past the 200 runs mark. When India’s innings needed a steady hand and a touch of class, Harman delivered a pure masterclass.

India ended with a mammoth 216/7 in their 20 overs.

Kranti-Nandani help restrict Zimbabwe to 62/2 in 10 overs

Kranti Gaud struck in the very first ball for India, picking the dangerous Kelis Ndhlovu for a golden duck. Looking to smash a drive, Kelis hit it towards covers and Niki Prasad made no mistake… as she took a sharp low catch to dismiss the batter. Modester Mupachikwa was later caught behind by Richa Ghosh off a Nandani Sharma delivery. Zimbabwe was 12/2 in 1.3 overs.

Sharne Mayers and Beloved Biz fight till the end…

Mayers took on the charge, getting the Zimbabwe ship back on track with a great 60(49). She stood tall and kept rotating the strike with Beloved Biza and together even though the total was a steep one to chase down, they were never ready to give up. Biza was ultimately bowled on 44 during the final over.

India won the contest by 92 runs and clinched the WT20I series versus Zimbabwe 3-0.

Brief Scores

India: 216/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 91*, Shafali Verma 69; Beloved Biza 3/50) won against Zimbabwe: 124/7 in 20 overs (Sharne Mayers 60, Beloved Biza 44; Nandani Sharma 3/18) by 92 runs.