India Women secure dominant nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in first ODI, led by Pratika Rawal's century

At the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, India Women began their ODI series against Zimbabwe Women with a resounding nine-wicket victory. Opting to bowl first, India restricted the visitors to 197 all out in 49.5 overs. Beloved Biza was the top scorer for Zimbabwe with a fighting 62 runs off 92 balls. India's bowling attack was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who claimed a career-best 4/23 in 10 overs, ably supported by pacer Kranti Gaud with 3/42.

In response, India made light work of the target, cruising to 200/1 in just 27.1 overs. Opener Pratika Rawal anchored the chase with an unbeaten 100 runs off 96 balls, featuring fifteen boundaries, marking her third ODI century. After Smriti Mandhana contributed 32, vice-captain Shafali Verma joined Rawal to accelerate the innings, smashing a rapid 64 not out off just 33 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes, to seal the dominant win. Rawal was deservedly named Player of the Match.