Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s missed handshake after India’s eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara sparked speculation about a possible rift between the two players. The incident came during the post-match celebrations after the Women in Blue completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep.
India won by eight wickets in the third and final ODI match against Zimbabwe in Vadodara on Wednesday, October 28. The hosts chased down the target of 132 runs in just 17 overs to complete a 3-0 series sweep. The match marked Smriti Mandhana’s first assignment as Team India’s captain across formats.
Smriti Mandhana-Harmanpreet Kaur Handshake Video Sparks Rift Rumours
Smriti Mandhana was seen high-fiving other teammates during the post-match proceedings before appearing to look away as Harmanpreet Kaur approached. The two seemingly missed the customary handshake, and the brief moment quickly drew attention because of the recent captaincy change.
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However, the video alone does not establish any tension between the players. Social media users have interpreted their body language differently, with some suggesting a disagreement and others pointing out that short clips can lack context.
Smriti Mandhana also showed her support for Harmanpreet during the second ODI in Vadodara. The senior batter scored 126 off 121 deliveries, and Mandhana gave her a standing ovation from the dressing room. She had also acknowledged Harmanpreet’s leadership legacy following her appointment.
Vaishnavi Sharma Claims Maiden ODI Fifer as India Bowl Zimbabwe Out for 131
Zimbabwe struggled after choosing to bat first, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Opener Modester Mupachikwa scored 37 before falling in the 16th over, while captain Josephine Nkomo contributed 35 and Chiedza Dhururu added 20.
The visitors failed to turn their starts into substantial scores against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Vaishnavi Sharma claimed her maiden ODI five-wicket haul with the final delivery of the innings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 131 in 39.5 overs.
India’s chase of 132 began with an early setback as Yastika Bhatia fell for a duck off the first delivery. Harleen Deol came in at No. 3 but managed only 19 runs off 19 balls before departing.
Pratika Rawal steadied the innings and remained unbeaten on 59. Shafali Verma then provided the acceleration, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries to register India’s second-fastest half-century in women’s ODI cricket.
The pair guided India to 132 in just 17 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory without further losses. The result completed a 3-0 ODI sweep, extending India’s dominant run against Zimbabwe, who finished their tour without a win.
Smriti Mandhana Praises Bowlers After India Complete ODI Sweep
Smriti Mandhana praised the bowlers after India completed the clean sweep, highlighting Vaishnavi’s achievement. She also explained the decision to adjust the batting order during the chase, noting that the modest target gave Yastika and Harleen an opportunity to spend time at the crease.
“Pleased with the result? Yeah, 3 ODI wins, good way to start the ODI championship for the next World Cup. Really happy with the way the bowlers stood up, keeping them under 140 and Vaishnavi, I mean, got a fifer today. Really happy that she got a fifer on the last ball.
“[All the plans worked out?] No, in general, I mean. Zimbabwe fielded really well and played some good cricket but we just wanted to go out there and dominate. Apart from the first T20I, we did that. That is something which is a good thing. Our pacers tried to hit the stumps, we wanted them to do that and it was pleasing to see.”
“[On rotation in the batting order] Yeah, I mean. Yastika has not played in the ODIs for a long time. We really wanted to have her bat, if we had batted first, we would have kept the same line-up. With 130, we thought she should be opening and same for Harleen. Really happy that they got some game time.”
Source: cricketaddictor.com
