Harmanpreet, Pratika, Deepti Power India to 328 Against Zimbabwe

Vadodara, October 25: A record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership and a steady third-wicket stand helped India post 328 for 6 in their win over Zimbabwe, which ended in a 121-run victory and an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series.

India's top order collapsed early, with Smriti Mandhana and Shefali Verma both dismissed within the first three overs. The side stood at 19 for 2, a position that could have derailed the chase of a big total.

Instead, Harmanpreet Kaur and Pratika Rawal took charge. Pratika made 61 as the pair added 124 for the third wicket, bringing stability back to the innings.

Harmanpreet went on to make 126, forming a 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Deepti Sharma, who finished unbeaten on 106. The stand is a new benchmark in the context of this match and gave India a total well beyond 300.

After the win, Mandhana said the team's recovery from 19 for 2 was the highlight of the day. "We crossed 300 from 19 for 2, and that belongs to Harman, Pratika and Deepti. Their batting was top class," she said.

Mandhana was full of praise for Deepti, noting her match-winning knocks at the ODI World Cup and her hundred in this game. She acknowledged that the batting order often limits Deepti's opportunities, which made her performance even more meaningful.

The Indian captain, who has now won a bilateral ODI series as the full-time skipper, also highlighted the contribution of Vaishnavi Sharma. The left-arm spinner took 4 for 39, her first four-wicket haul in an innings in international cricket.

"Vaishnavi bowled superbly, changing her pace and angles all the time," Mandhana said. "She understands her game very well, which is a big asset for a captain. The rest of the bowlers supported her, and our attack has enough quality to come on at any moment."

Mandhana also complimented Zimbabwe's fielding, which she believed saved around 20 to 30 runs in the heat, especially in the point area. She added that the side's sharp, committed fielding was a healthy sign for women's cricket.