India and Zimbabwe set for first ODI in Vadodara

India is scheduled to open a three-match women’s one-day international series against Zimbabwe on October 23 in Vadodara, after sweeping the preceding T20I series 3-0. The opening ODI is set for 2 p.m. IST at BCA Stadium, Kotambi; the reports previewing the match do not establish its result. The three ODIs are scheduled to be played at the same venue. The series also marks the start of India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship 2025-26/29 cycle, according to match previews. India will be without fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur, who was ruled out because of injury. Jintimani Kalita was named as her replacement. India’s squad also includes Tejal Hasabnis, Yastika Bhatia, Vaishnavi Sharma, Nandani Sharma and Sayali Satghare, according to the reports. The ODI leg follows India’s 3-0 victory in the three-match T20I series. Smriti Mandhana, who took over as India’s full-time captain from Harmanpreet Kaur, led the team in that sweep and is expected to captain the side in the ODI series. India are moving from the shorter format to 50-over cricket, with the championship matches carrying significance beyond the bilateral series. Zimbabwe are set to retain the squad they used...