Unstoppable India-W set sights on ODI series against Zimbabwe-W

The Indian women’s cricket team got off to a rollicking start in the WODI series after outplaying Zimbabwe in all departments in the opener. Vadodara witnessed a batting masterclass spearheaded by Pratika Rawal while Shafali Verma continued her fine form.

The Women in Blue will aim to secure the series win in the second game, which might allow Amol Muzumdar some room for experimentation in the final ODI. India is unlikely to change its combination, but one thing that will certainly be examined is whether Verma can slot in at the No.3 position.

India’s ongoing No. 3 conundrum has been a major talking point across the formats. Of course, when Jemimah Rodrigues returns, she will be a direct shoo-in. However, in her absence, Verma’s arrival at No. 3 will certainly be of intrigue to the Indian think-tank, considering the kind of firepower that she brings in the middle overs, especially against a semi-new ball.

Zimbabwe will once again be pinning their hopes on two of their best in the form of Kelis Ndhlovu and Beloved Biza. Biza played an impressive innings in the last game and will be carrying forward the hopes of a nation which has been trying to do its fair best in bits and pieces against one of the powerhouses in women’s cricket.

Venue Watch:

The last game in Vadodara saw the surface being conducive to the batters with true bounce and decent carry. Batters will be getting full value for their shots and once the lacquer comes off, one can expect very minimal movement. Spinners will certainly have a say on the track, with good bit of assistance in the first half of the game.

Match details:

Match: India vs Zimbabwe, 2nd WODI

Venue: Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, Kotambi

Date: 25th October, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM IST

Head-to-head:

Matches played – 3

India – 3

Zimbabwe - 0

Squads:

India:

Smriti Mandhana [C], Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma [VC], Richa Ghosh [WK], Yastika Bhatia [WK], Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandni Sharma, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Jintimani Kalita

Zimbabwe:

Josephine Nkomo (C), Beloved Biza, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Olinder Chare, Kudzai Chigora, Nyasha Gwanzura, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loryn Phiri, Chiyedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, Tendai Makusha, Sharne Mayers