Vaishnavi Sharma shocks Zimbabwe, achieves rare feat with maiden 5-wicket haul in ODIs

Vaishnavi Sharma produced an unforgettable spell to rock Zimbabwe in the third women’s ODI in Vadodara on Wednesday, writing a special chapter for Indian cricket. The left-arm spinner became the second-youngest Indian woman to take five wickets in ODIs and the youngest in a decade to achieve the feat.

Vaishnavi reached the milestone at 20 years and 314 days. Deepti Sharma remains the youngest Indian to take a five-wicket ODI haul, returning figures of 6/20 in 9.2 overs against Sri Lanka in Ranchi in 2016.

India vs Zimbabwe 3rd Women’s ODI: Update | Scorecard

Vaishnavi had impressed in the previous match and carried that form into the series finale where he produced another impressive performance to trouble the Zimbabwean batsmen.

Vaishnavi announced her arrival in the second ODI with an impressive 4/39 from 10 overs, including a maiden. She dismissed Beloved Biza, Modester Mupachikwa, Chiedza Dhururu and Michelle Mavunga as India sealed a 121-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

A moment she will never forget Vaishnavi Sharma loves every bit of #TeamIndia Update | #INDvWINTER | @mflone_ BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 28, 2026

VAISHNAVI SPINS A WEB AROUND ZIMBABWE

The young spinner carried her rhythm and confidence into Wednesday’s match as she struck early to put Zimbabwe under pressure. She dismissed Biza for one after the bat went on the attack, with Harmanpreet Kaur completing the catch at mid-off.

Vaishnavi then outwitted Mupachikwa who was trying to attack the spinner. She slowed the ball down and played it wider, pulling the batter forward and beating her attempted shot, allowing keeper Yastica Bhatia to complete the stumble. Mupachikwa departed for the 37th.

Vaishnavi struck again as Dhururu tried to advance down the track and play across the line. The batter lost its shape and offered a rising edge which was safely caught by Jintimani Kalita at extra cover.

Michelle Mavunga became Vaishnavi’s fourth victim after she failed to hit a flying delivery across the infield. Harleen Deol completed the catch at deep mid-on, bringing the spinner within five wickets.

Vaishnavi saved the best for the end of her spell. After narrowly missing her fifth goal in the previous match, she came back to dismiss Nyasha Gwanzura. The Zimbabwean batsman attempted a shot over the line but the ball went on the inside edge, bounced off her boot and bounced onto the stumps.

The dismissal completed Vaishnavi’s five-wicket haul and capped off a spell in which her variations in flight, pace and turn repeatedly troubled the Zimbabwean batsmen. Her efforts helped India bowl out the visitors for 131 in 39.5 overs on Wednesday.

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