Harmanpreet Kaur 91* powers India to 92-run win as Raipur sees 3-0 sweep
Harmanpreet Kaur struck an unbeaten 91 off 41 balls as India defeated Zimbabwe by 92 runs in the third and final T20I in Raipur on Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series sweep. India posted 216 for seven and restricted Zimbabwe to 124 for seven in 20 overs.
The innings ended a 10-match wait for a half-century for Harmanpreet, who had struggled for runs during the Women's T20 Asia Cup and had limited time at the crease during the Asian Games; she had also stepped down as captain across formats ahead of the Zimbabwe series. Smriti Mandhana elected to bat after winning the toss, with the hosts aiming to give more batters time in the middle.
India accelerated early after promoting Anushka Sharma to open alongside Shafali Verma, the pair putting on 54 runs in 32 balls. Anushka made 28 off 20 deliveries, including a six off Tendai Makusha in the fifth over, while Shafali followed her previous fifty with 69 off 37 balls, striking six sixes and using the sweep against spin.
Harmanpreet arrived following Shafali's departure and dominated the middle overs, hitting 10 fours and five sixes on her way to an unbeaten 91. India added 62 runs in the final five overs despite losing four wickets, the late surge pushing the total to 216 for seven.
During an on-field conversation with former India head coach WV Raman, Harmanpreet became emotional and credited encouragement for her approach. "It feels great. Just wanted to enjoy myself, and great that I got some time in the middle and really enjoyed myself on the field," she said. She added: "The moment we came, you stepped in and you said, 'Now you do what you want to do,' and that's what I want to do, and really want to enjoy myself. Thanks for those words." She also singled out her batting coach: "After the Asian Games, I got some time in the nets. I really want to thank Himanshu bhaiya, who's been working really hard on me and today's batting was all him," Harmanpreet said.
Zimbabwe required a near-perfect chase but fell short as Sharne Mayers top-scored with 60 off 49 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. Nandani Sharma led the Indian bowling attack with three wickets for 18 runs in her four overs as Zimbabwe finished on 124 for seven.
The series clean sweep gives India momentum ahead of upcoming assignments, including the inaugural six-team ICC Women's Champions Trophy in the shortest format at home early next year, and the teams now travel to Vadodara for a three-match ODI series beginning on October 23.
