Vadodara, Oct 2026 : India won the toss and elected to bat first against Zimbabwe in the second ODI at the BCA Stadium on Sunday, making one change to their playing XI as left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma replaced fast bowler Kranti Gaud.
India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the opening encounter. A victory in the second match would give the hosts an unassailable lead and seal the series with one game remaining.
India captain Smriti Mandhana said the decision to rest Kranti was aimed at giving Vaishnavi valuable match time. The young spinner made her ODI debut against Australia in Hobart earlier this year.
“Looks like a good wicket to bat on. We thought of resting Kranti and giving game time to Vaishnavi,” Mandhana said after winning the toss.
She clarified that the change was not specifically based on the choice between pace and spin, adding that Vaishnavi had bowled exceptionally well in the previous match. Mandhana said having another left-arm spinner in the team would provide an additional option.
Shafali Verma to Continue at No. 3
Mandhana also confirmed that Shafali Verma would continue to bat at number three after scoring an unbeaten 64 in the opening ODI. The India captain said Shafali had been in good form since the T20 series and could change the course of a match with her aggressive batting.
Mandhana also highlighted Shafali’s ability to contribute with the ball, describing her as a useful additional bowling option.
Speaking about her experience as captain, Mandhana said she had particularly enjoyed communicating with players and understanding their mental approach to the game.
She added that managing a full 50-over innings as captain felt faster than fielding as a regular player. Mandhana praised the team’s response and said interacting with the players had been one of the most rewarding aspects of the role.
Zimbabwe Look for Improved Batting
Zimbabwe welcomed back regular captain Josephine Nkomo, who missed the opening match because of a shoulder issue. Sharne Mayers was left out of the playing XI.
Nkomo said Zimbabwe needed to show greater intent with the bat, build a stronger innings and make the most of the final five overs. She also stressed the importance of using the conditions effectively and taking early wickets against India.
The Zimbabwe captain said her team had assessed the conditions and adapted well, noting that the weather was similar to Mumbai, although slightly hotter.
With India seeking to clinch the series and Zimbabwe aiming to level it, Sunday’s encounter presents contrasting objectives for the two sides.
Playing XIs
India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana (captain), Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare, N Sree Charani and Jintimani Kalita.
Zimbabwe: Modester Mupachikwa (wicketkeeper), Loryn Phiri, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (captain), Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Tendai Makusha and Olinder Chare.
