Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s missed handshake after India’s eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Vadodara sparked speculation a couple of possible rift between the two gamers. The incident got here in the course of the post-match celebrations after the Women in Blue fulld a 3-0 ODI series sweep.
India gained by eight wickets in the third and ultimate ODI match in opposition to Zimbabwe in Vadodara on Wednesday, October 28. The hosts chased down the target of 132 runs in just 17 overs to finish a 3-0 series sweep. The match marked Smriti Mandhana’s first assignment as Crew India’s captain across formats.
Smriti Mandhana-Harmanpreet Kaur Handshake Video Sparks Rift Rumours
Smriti Mandhana was seen high-fiving different teammates in the course of the post-match proceedings earlier than showing to look away as Harmanpreet Kaur approached. The two seemingly missed the customary handshake, and the transient second rapidly drew attention because of the recent captaincy change.
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Nonetheless, the video alone doesn’t establish any pressure between the gamers. Social media users have interpreted their body language in a different way, with some suggesting a disagreement and others pointing out that short clips can lack context.
Smriti Mandhana also showed her help for Harmanpreet in the course of 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 selecting to bat first, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Opener Modester Mupachikwa scored 37 earlier than falling in the sixteenth over, while captain Josephine Nkomo contributed 35 and Chiedza Dhururu added 20.
The visitors failed to turn their starts into substantial scores in opposition to India’s disciplined bowling attack. Vaishnavi Sharma claimed her maiden ODI five-wicket haul with the final supply of the innings. Zimbabwe have been 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 supply. Harleen Deol got here in at No. 3 but managed solely 19 runs off 19 balls earlier than 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 in opposition to Zimbabwe, who completed their tour with no win.
Smriti Mandhana Praises Bowlers After India Full ODI Sweep
Smriti Mandhana praised the bowlers after India completed the clean sweep, highlighting Vaishnavi’s achievement. She also defined the choice to adjust the batting order in the course of the chase, noting that the modest target gave Yastika and Harleen an opportunity to spend time on the crease.
“Happy with the result? Yeah, 3 ODI wins, good strategy to begin the ODI championship for the following World Cup. Really happy with the best way the bowlers stood up, retaining them underneath 140 and Vaishnavi, I mean, received a fifer in the present day. Really completely satisfied that she received a fifer on the last ball.
“[All the plans worked out?] No, usually, 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 try this and it was pleasing to see.”
“[On rotation in the batting order] Yeah, I mean. Yastika has not played in the ODIs for a very long time. We really wanted to have her bat, if we had batted first, we might have stored the identical line-up. With 130, we thought she should be opening and identical for Harleen. Really completely satisfied that they received some sport time.”
Source: cricketaddictor.com
