Vadodara, October 2026 : Pratika Rawal smashed an unbeaten century and Shafali Verma produced a blistering half-century as world champions India registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women in the first ODI of the three-match series at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Friday.
Chasing a target of 198 runs, India reached 200/1 in just 27.1 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series with a dominant batting display. Rawal remained unbeaten on 100 off 96 balls, including 15 boundaries, while Shafali hammered an unbeaten 64 off only 34 deliveries, striking five fours and four sixes.
Earlier, India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Shree Charani's impressive four-wicket haul, restricted Zimbabwe to 197 in 49.5 overs. Beloved Biza top-scored for the visitors with a fighting 62, but Zimbabwe struggled to build sustained partnerships against India's bowling unit.
Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma Dominate the Run Chase
India began the chase aggressively, with Rawal finding two boundaries in the opening over and immediately putting Zimbabwe's bowlers under pressure. The opener continued to score freely, combining crisp strokeplay with effective running between the wickets.
Captain Smriti Mandhana joined the attack in the fifth over, hitting consecutive boundaries off Michelle Mavunga as India capitalised on the fielding restrictions.
The Indian openers dominated the Powerplay, reaching 72 without loss after 10 overs. Rawal contributed 42 runs during this period, keeping the required run rate comfortably under control.
After the fielding restrictions were lifted, Rawal and Mandhana adopted a measured approach, rotating the strike and collecting runs through singles and twos. Rawal received a reprieve in the 13th over when Loryn Phiri dropped her at deep mid-wicket. The Indian batter made the most of the opportunity, reaching her fourth ODI half-century off 54 deliveries.
India moved to 93 without loss in the 15th over before Zimbabwe finally broke through. Mandhana attempted to attack a delivery outside the off stump but was dismissed for 32 off 34 balls in the 16th over.
Her departure brought Shafali to the crease, and the aggressive right-hander wasted little time settling in. She struck a boundary off her third delivery, setting the tone for a rapid partnership with Rawal.
Shafali's Explosive Fifty Seals India's Victory
With Rawal anchoring the innings and Shafali attacking the bowlers, India maintained a scoring rate of around eight runs per over. The pair steadily dismantled Zimbabwe's bowling attack, leaving the visitors with little opportunity to mount a comeback.
India reached 166/1 around the halfway stage of the innings, requiring only 32 runs for victory. Shafali then accelerated further, taking the attack to the Zimbabwe bowlers in the 26th over.
She brought up her half-century off just 29 balls, striking consecutive sixes to underline India's dominance in the chase.
Rawal completed her century off 96 deliveries in the 27th over, reaching the milestone with an assured display of controlled aggression. The landmark capped an outstanding innings in which she combined timing, placement and consistency.
Shafali finished the contest in style by hitting a boundary off the first ball of the 28th over. She remained unbeaten on 64 off 34 balls, while Rawal finished on 100 not out as India crossed the target in 27.1 overs.
Olinder Chare was the only Zimbabwe bowler to claim a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/58.
Shree Charani's Four-Wicket Haul Restricts Zimbabwe
Earlier, Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat but lost opener Loryn Phiri early. Kranti Gaud struck in the third over, catching Phiri off her own bowling and giving India an early breakthrough.
Mugeri-Tiripano and Modester Mupachikwa attempted to stabilise the innings, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Zimbabwe reached 46/1 at the end of the Powerplay, offering signs of a competitive total.
India captain Mandhana introduced left-arm spinner Shree Charani after the fielding restrictions were lifted, and the move quickly paid dividends. Charani trapped Mugeri-Tiripano leg before wicket for 21 off 27 balls before dismissing Mupachikwa for 25 off 44 deliveries in the 15th over. Gaud took the catch after the batter mistimed a lofted shot.
Deepti Sharma increased Zimbabwe's difficulties in the 18th over by dismissing newly appointed vice-captain Sharne Mayers for eight off 12 balls. Mayers attempted an aerial shot but failed to clear the infield.
With Zimbabwe losing wickets at regular intervals, Beloved Biza and Nyasha Gwanzura attempted to rebuild the innings. The pair rotated the strike effectively and found boundaries to take Zimbabwe past the 100-run mark in the 26th over.
Charani broke the partnership by taking a return catch to dismiss Gwanzura for 13 off 28 balls, completing another important breakthrough for India.
Beloved Biza's Fighting Half-Century Goes in Vain
Biza continued to hold Zimbabwe's innings together and received support from Chiedza Dhururu. The pair tried to revive the scoring rate, with Biza reaching her half-century off 64 deliveries in the 35th over.
Gaud then bowled Dhururu for 10 off 23 balls, leaving Zimbabwe searching for another meaningful partnership.
Michelle Mavunga provided late momentum with an aggressive 29 off 23 deliveries. Her boundaries helped Zimbabwe cross the 160-run mark, but Charani ended her resistance in the 43rd over to complete an impressive four-wicket haul.
Biza remained Zimbabwe's leading scorer with 62 off 92 balls, including four boundaries, before Gaud dismissed her, with Mandhana taking the catch.
Deepti wrapped up the innings by bowling Tendai Makusha off the penultimate ball of the 50th over, dismissing Zimbabwe for 197 in 49.5 overs.
India Take 1-0 Lead in Three-Match ODI Series
India's comprehensive win highlighted the team's strength in both departments. Charani and Gaud led the bowling effort, while Rawal and Shafali ensured the run chase was completed without difficulty.
Rawal's maiden-match century in this contest and Shafali's explosive batting gave India a convincing start to the series. The defending world champions will look to carry the momentum into the second ODI as Zimbabwe seek to bounce back.
India vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st ODI: Scorecard
Zimbabwe Women: 197 all out in 49.5 overs
Beloved Biza: 62
Michelle Mavunga: 29
Shree Charani: 4/23
Kranti Gaud: 3/42
India Women: 200/1 in 27.1 overs
Pratika Rawal: 100 not out (96 balls)
Shafali Verma: 64 not out (34 balls)
Smriti Mandhana: 32 (34 balls)
Olinder Chare: 1/58
Result: India Women won by nine wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
