Vadodara: Pratika Rawal struck an unbeaten century as India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the opening match of the three-match women’s ODI series at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Friday, October 23. Shree Charani’s career-best bowling figures of 4/23 had earlier helped India restrict Zimbabwe to 197 in 49.5 overs.

India chased down the target of 198 in just 27.1 overs, finishing at 200/1 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Rawal remained unbeaten on 100 off 96 balls, while Shafali Verma provided an explosive finish with 64 not out off 33 deliveries.

The victory marked an impressive return to form for Rawal after an injury-disrupted period and gave India a commanding start in their first-ever women’s ODI meeting with Zimbabwe.

Shree Charani leads India’s bowling effort

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bat first but struggled to build sustained partnerships against India’s bowling attack.

Left-arm spinner Shree Charani was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 23 runs in her 10 overs. Her disciplined spell helped India maintain control and prevented Zimbabwe from converting promising starts into a much bigger total.

Pacer Kranti Gaud also made an important contribution, finishing with three wickets for 42 runs. The pair accounted for seven wickets between them and ensured that Zimbabwe were unable to capitalise fully on the batting-friendly conditions.

Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals, although Beloved Biza offered resistance with a determined innings of 62 off 92 balls. She struck five fours and attempted to anchor the innings while wickets fell around her.

Michelle Mavunga added a late burst of scoring, making 29 off 23 balls, including three fours and a six. Her contribution helped Zimbabwe approach the 200-run mark, but the innings ended at 197 in 49.5 overs.

India’s bowling effort was built around patience, accuracy and timely breakthroughs. Charani’s ability to strike at key moments proved particularly important in keeping the opposition below a competitive total.

Pratika Rawal makes the most of her opportunity

India began their chase aggressively, with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal establishing a strong opening partnership.

Rawal, promoted to the opening position, looked comfortable throughout her innings. She combined controlled strokeplay with well-timed attacking shots, finding boundaries without taking unnecessary risks.

Mandhana contributed 32 off 34 balls, striking four fours before falling with India comfortably placed. The pair added 94 runs for the first wicket, giving the hosts a solid foundation and reducing the pressure on the middle order.

Rawal continued to accumulate runs after Mandhana’s dismissal, maintaining her composure as the target came within reach. Her unbeaten 100 came off 96 deliveries and included 15 fours.

The century was Rawal’s third in 50-over international cricket. She was named Player of the Match for her contribution to India’s emphatic victory.

For Rawal, the innings was especially significant after an injury-affected period had interrupted her progress. Her return to the middle with a hundred will provide encouragement as India continue their campaign.

Shafali Verma delivers an explosive finish

Shafali Verma, who came in at No. 3, ensured that India completed the chase quickly. The aggressive batter scored 64 not out off just 33 balls, striking five fours and four sixes.

Her attacking approach complemented Rawal’s composed innings. While Rawal kept the scoreboard moving with measured strokeplay, Shafali put the Zimbabwe bowlers under pressure with powerful shots and rapid scoring.

The pair added an unbeaten 106-run partnership for the second wicket, bringing India close to the target in little more than 27 overs.

Shafali’s innings demonstrated the value of having different batting approaches within the same partnership. Rawal provided stability and reached her hundred, while Shafali accelerated the scoring and ensured there was no late uncertainty in the chase.

India finished at 200/1 in 27.1 overs, winning with 22.5 overs to spare.

A historic first ODI meeting

The match was the first women’s ODI encounter between India and Zimbabwe. India entered the contest as the more experienced side, but the opening match still offered Zimbabwe an opportunity to test themselves against one of the leading teams in women’s international cricket.

The visitors had moments of resistance, particularly through Biza’s innings, but their inability to build substantial partnerships left them with a challenging task against India’s batting line-up.

India, meanwhile, showed strength in both departments. Charani and Gaud restricted Zimbabwe to a manageable total, while Rawal and Shafali made the chase look straightforward.

The margin of victory also gives India a 1-0 advantage heading into the second match. The team will aim to maintain its momentum and improve further as the series progresses.

India look to continue their winning momentum

India’s nine-wicket victory was built on contributions from both experienced players and emerging performers. Charani’s four-wicket haul provided the breakthrough with the ball, while Rawal’s century and Shafali’s rapid half-century ensured a comfortable result.

Rawal’s return to form is an encouraging development for India, particularly as the team continues to assess its batting combinations. Her ability to anchor an innings while scoring at a healthy rate adds another option at the top of the order.

Charani’s performance also strengthens India’s bowling resources, with her accuracy and ability to take wickets providing a useful option in the middle overs.

Zimbabwe will look to regroup before the next encounter, with greater support for Biza likely to be important if the team is to challenge India more effectively.

For the hosts, the immediate objective will be to carry the confidence of this opening win into the remaining fixtures. With a 1-0 lead secured, India have made an emphatic start to the series.