Picture Credit: BCCI
Pratika Rawal’s unbeaten century and Shafali Verma’s explosive half-century powered India to a nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara, on Friday.
Chasing 198, India reached 200/1 in 27.1 overs. Rawal finished on 100 not out from 96 balls, striking 15 boundaries. Shafali smashed an unbeaten 64 off 34 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes.
The opening pair raced to 72 without loss in 10 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana contributed 32 from 34 balls before Olinder Chare dismissed her in the 16th over.
Shafali joined Rawal and maintained the attacking approach. She completed her half-century from just 29 balls, hitting consecutive sixes during the 26th over. Rawal reached her century in the 27th over before Shafali sealed the victory with a boundary.
Earlier, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197 in 49.5 overs after electing to bat. India’s disciplined bowling attack prevented the visitors from building sustained partnerships.
Kranti Gaud dismissed opener Loryn Phiri early. Shree Charani then removed Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa and Nyasha Gwanzura before completing her four-wicket haul with Michelle Mavunga’s dismissal.
Charani finished with figures of 4/23, while Gaud claimed 3/42. Deepti Sharma also contributed two wickets, including the dismissal of Tendai Makusha that ended Zimbabwe’s innings.
Beloved Biza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 62 from 92 balls, hitting four boundaries. She helped rebuild the innings alongside Gwanzura before finding support from Chiedza Dhururu.
Mavunga added late momentum with 29 off 23 balls, but India continued taking wickets at regular intervals.
India’s commanding performance gave the world champions a winning start to the three-match series, with Rawal and Shafali delivering an emphatic batting display.
Also Read: Shree Charani Claims Four Wickets As India Bowl Out Zimbabwe For 197 In First ODI
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