Pratika Rawal’s Unbeaten Century Powers India Women to Dominant Win Over Zimbabwe

VADODARA, October 24: Pratika Rawal struck an unbeaten century and Shafali Verma produced an explosive half-century as India registered a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening women’s ODI at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Friday.

India chased down a target of 198 in just 27.1 overs, finishing at 200 for one to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Rawal remained unbeaten on 100 off 96 deliveries, while Shafali contributed 64 not out from 33 balls to complete a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

The result was built on an impressive bowling performance earlier in the day, with left-arm spinner Shree Charani claiming four wickets for 23 runs. Kranti Gaud supported her with three wickets for 42 runs as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 197 in 49.5 overs.

The Indian batters then ensured there was little suspense during the chase, combining controlled stroke play with aggressive attacking cricket to put their team firmly in command.

Charani leads India’s bowling effort

Zimbabwe struggled to build sustained momentum after being sent in to bat. The visitors lost wickets at important intervals, preventing them from establishing the partnerships needed to post a challenging total.

Charani emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker, using her control and accuracy to trouble the Zimbabwean batting line-up. Her four-wicket haul proved decisive in restricting the visitors below the 200-run mark.

Gaud also played a crucial role, claiming three wickets and ensuring Zimbabwe could not capitalise on the platform provided by their middle order.

Beloved Biza was the standout batter for Zimbabwe, scoring a determined 62 from 92 deliveries. Her innings included five boundaries and helped the visitors recover from early setbacks.

Biza attempted to stabilise the innings by rotating the strike and choosing her scoring opportunities carefully. However, the lack of substantial support from the other end meant Zimbabwe could not accelerate sufficiently during the closing stages.

Michelle Mavunga added 29 from 23 balls, providing a late burst of scoring, while wicketkeeper Modester Mupachikwa contributed 25. Their efforts helped Zimbabwe approach the 200-run mark, but India’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Zimbabwe eventually lost their final wicket with one delivery remaining in the 50th over, leaving India with a target that appeared manageable on a favourable batting surface.

Rawal reaches another ODI milestone

Rawal made the most of her opportunity at the top of the order, producing a composed innings that combined patience with effective boundary hitting.

Her unbeaten 100 came from 96 deliveries and included 15 fours. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, she focused on finding gaps, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.

The century was particularly significant because it demonstrated her ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a scoring rate that kept the required run rate comfortably under control.

Rawal found support from captain Smriti Mandhana, who scored 32 from 34 balls. The pair added 94 runs for the opening wicket, giving India an excellent foundation for the chase.

Mandhana played an important role in negotiating the early overs and preventing Zimbabwe’s bowlers from generating momentum. Her dismissal, caught by Biza off Olinder Chare, was the only breakthrough the visitors managed.

India were already well placed when Mandhana departed, and the wicket did little to alter the direction of the match.

Rawal continued to score freely, displaying sound technique and a broad range of strokes. Her ability to find boundaries without losing control allowed India to remain ahead of the required rate throughout the innings.

Shafali’s aggressive innings ends the contest

Shafali, who came in at number three, quickly shifted the tempo with an attacking display. She remained unbeaten on 64 from 33 balls, striking five fours and four sixes.

Her innings ensured that Zimbabwe had little opportunity to exploit Mandhana’s dismissal. Shafali attacked the bowling with confidence, finding the boundary regularly and forcing the visitors to alter their plans.

The contrast between Rawal’s measured approach and Shafali’s aggressive stroke play proved effective. While Rawal continued to accumulate runs at a steady pace, Shafali took advantage of scoring opportunities to bring the target within reach.

The pair shared an unbeaten partnership that carried India across the finish line in the 28th over.

India’s chase was completed with 22.5 overs remaining, underlining the gulf between the two sides on the day. The victory also reflected the team’s ability to recover quickly from its only wicket loss and maintain pressure on the opposition.

Zimbabwe face a difficult challenge

For Zimbabwe, the opening defeat highlighted the need for greater consistency in both batting and bowling. Biza’s contribution offered encouragement, but the team will need more substantial partnerships to compete against India’s experienced line-up.

The visitors also struggled to contain India’s scoring once Rawal and Shafali settled at the crease. Their bowling attack found it difficult to prevent boundaries, while the early wicket of Mandhana failed to trigger a broader collapse.

Zimbabwe will need to reassess their approach ahead of the second match, particularly their plans for India’s top order. Restricting the hosts to a lower total and building partnerships with the bat will be central to their hopes of levelling the series.

India, meanwhile, will take confidence from the contributions of both their bowlers and batters. Charani and Gaud restricted the opposition effectively, while Rawal and Shafali demonstrated that the team possesses different approaches to controlling a run chase.

The result gives India an early advantage in the three-match contest, but the remaining fixtures will provide further opportunities to test combinations and maintain consistency.

For Rawal, the unbeaten hundred was an individual highlight, while Charani’s four-wicket haul established her as a major contributor to the victory. Together, their performances ensured India began the series with a convincing result and a strong foundation for the matches ahead.