India Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women by 121 runs in the second ODI at Kotambi Stadium. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma struck magnificent centuries to guide the hosts to an imposing total of 328/6 in 50 overs before the Indian bowlers bundled out Zimbabwe for 207 in 48.5 overs. Harmanpreet was named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution with the bat as India secured their second consecutive victory in the three-match ODI series.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma shine with sensational centuries
After winning the toss, India Women elected to bat first and looked to put Zimbabwe under pressure with a substantial total. However, the hosts suffered an early setback when Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Shafali Verma also departed cheaply, scoring eight runs off eight deliveries, leaving India needing a strong partnership to regain control. Pratika Rawal provided stability at the top of the order with a composed 61 off 67 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Her contribution helped India recover from the early wickets and laid the foundation for a major total.
Harmanpreet then took charge of the innings with a superb knock of 126 off 121 deliveries. The Indian batter struck 15 fours and kept the scoreboard moving with an assured display of stroke-making. She found an excellent partner in Deepti, who delivered an equally impressive performance with an unbeaten 106 off 86 balls, hitting 15 boundaries.
The pair’s centuries transformed India’s innings and put the visitors under sustained pressure. Their contributions helped the hosts finish at 328/6 after 50 overs. For Zimbabwe, Nomvelo Sibanda claimed two wickets, while Tendai Makusha, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura and Olinder Chare picked up one wicket apiece. Harmanpreet’s commanding century ultimately earned her the Player of the Match award.
Zimbabwe fall short despite contributions from top order
Chasing a challenging target of 329, Zimbabwe Women needed a strong start and substantial partnerships to remain in contention. Modester Mupachikwa and Loryn Phiri opened the innings, but the latter managed only six runs from 23 deliveries before departing. Mupachikwa offered resistance with a patient 49 off 70 balls, striking nine boundaries. Chipo Mugeri Tiripano also contributed 46 off 57 deliveries, including seven fours, as Zimbabwe attempted to build a foundation for the chase.
Beloved Biza added 34 runs off 49 balls, while Josephine Nkomo scored 20 from 36 deliveries. However, Zimbabwe struggled to accelerate against India’s disciplined bowling attack, and the required run rate continued to climb. Gwanzura provided a late spark with 20 off 18 balls, including a six, but the visitors could not build the partnerships needed to threaten India’s total. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 207 in 48.5 overs, falling 121 runs short of the target.
Vaishnavi Sharma and Deepti lead India’s bowling effort
India’s bowlers complemented the outstanding batting display with a disciplined performance. Vaishnavi Sharma was the leading wicket-taker, finishing with impressive figures of 4/39 in 10 overs. She consistently troubled the Zimbabwe batters and played a crucial role in preventing the visitors from building momentum. Deepti capped off her century with an excellent bowling contribution, claiming three wickets for 32 runs in nine overs. Her all-round performance proved instrumental in India’s comprehensive victory.
Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita and Shree Charani picked up one wicket each, ensuring Zimbabwe never gained control of the chase. India maintained pressure throughout the innings and eventually secured a convincing 121-run win.
The result gives India Women a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after their nine-wicket victory in the opening match. With the series already secured, the two sides will meet again at Kotambi Stadium on Wednesday, October 28, for the third and final ODI. India will look to complete a clean sweep, while Zimbabwe will aim to finish the tour with a consolation victory.
Here’s how fans reacted:
For her magnificent, match-defining 8th ODI century, @ImHarmanpreet takes home the Player of the Match award 👏
Relive her knock ▶️ https://t.co/gOyvDxoH6A#TeamIndia | #INDvZIM | @mflone_ pic.twitter.com/TPJ1dAT590
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 25, 2026
DEEPTI SHARMA – THE MVP OF INDIAN WOMEN’S CRICKET 🫡🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oRY4t7Lkwt
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 25, 2026
A lovely celebration by Harmanpreet Kaur and Vaishnavi Sharma. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YxHxo7L1w4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 25, 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur smashed a marvelous Hundred in just 105 balls against Zimbabwe in this ODI series 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xhkYiQYBxW
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) October 25, 2026
HARMANPREET KAUR what a knock 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PlcyT0DWRs
— 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐡𝐫𝐧𝐢 🍊 (@Ambhrni) October 25, 2026
Deepti Sharma smashed a highest quality Hundred against Zimbabwe in this second ODI Match 🇮🇳 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AAnVnTfPmo
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) October 25, 2026
DEEPTI SHARMA – THE MVP OF TEAM INDIA. 🫡🇮🇳
– A hundred of highest Quality from Deepti Sharma. 💯 pic.twitter.com/5xWECKoD34
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 25, 2026
Deepti Sharma made history by becoming the first Indian woman to score an ODI century batting at No. 6 or lower#DeeptiSharma #WomensCricket pic.twitter.com/S1hhSklp19
— VEER SA (@veersaa007) October 25, 2026
DEEPTI SHARMA – THE GREATEST ALL-ROUNDER IN WOMENS CRICKET OF THIS GENERATION..! 🙇♂️🐐 pic.twitter.com/QRvBomCJDy
— Tejas Agarwal (@tejasagarwal197) October 25, 2026
Harmanpreet Kaur is on fire! 🔥
126* off 120 balls with her 8th ODI century.
Rescued India after early wickets and still going strong with Deepti Sharma. Class is permanent. 🇮🇳#TeamIndia #INDvZIM @ImHarmanpreet pic.twitter.com/Oas6Y2FHFG
— Sushanth (@CskStorm81274) October 25, 2026
Also READ: Harmanpreet Kaur sizzles as India whitewash Zimbabwe in Women’s T20I series
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
