India secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first match of their three-game ODI series in Vadodara on Friday. The hosts dominated the contest at the Kotambi stadium, anchored by a masterful unbeaten century from Pratika Rawal and a career-best bowling performance from left-arm spinner Shree Charani.
Chasing a target of 198, India reached 200/1 in just 27.1 overs. Rawal was the standout performer, finishing on 100 not out. Her innings was defined by composure and precision, featuring 15 boundaries as she maintained a strike rate exceeding 100. She shared a 94-run opening stand with Mandhana, who contributed 32 before falling to Olinder Chare. Following the breakthrough, Shafali joined Rawal and played an aggressive knock, remaining unbeaten on 64 off just 33 balls, a display that included five fours and four sixes.
Bowling dominance and fielding lapses
Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers successfully restricted Zimbabwe to 197 all out on a surface that generally favored batting. Shree Charani was the primary architect of the collapse, finishing with impressive figures of 4/23. She dismantled the top order by removing openers Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, before returning to claim the wickets of Nyasha Gwanzura and Michelle Mavunga.
Kranti Gaud provided vital support from the other end, claiming 3/42 to ensure Zimbabwe could not establish significant partnerships. Beloved Biza offered the most resistance for the visitors, anchoring the innings with a patient 62 off 92 deliveries. Despite the clinical nature of the bowling attack, India’s performance in the field was marred by several dropped catches. Both Mugeri-Tiripano and Mupachikwa were handed early reprieves, while Mavunga was also dropped in the 40th over, highlighting areas for improvement despite the comprehensive result. With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series as they look ahead to the next encounter.
