Pratika Rawal struck a magnificent unbeaten century to guide the Indian women’s cricket team to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening fixture of their three-match ODI series on Friday. Promoted to open the innings, Rawal displayed remarkable composure and a wide array of strokes on a batting-friendly surface at Kotambi.
Earlier in the fixture, left-arm spinner Shree Charani delivered a devastating spell of bowling to dismantle the visitors’ batting line-up. Charani recorded career-best figures of 4/23, while pace-bowling support from Kranti Gaud who picked up 3/42 ensured that Zimbabwe were restricted to a modest total of 197 all out despite a gritty 62 from batter Beloved Biza.
Match Situation and Dominant Chase
Chasing a target of 198, India made a flying start as the openers capitalized on some loose bowling. Although skipper Smriti Mandhana fell for 32 after stitching together a 94-run stand for the opening wicket, Rawal found a reliable partner in Shafali Verma. Verma dropped down to number three and played an aggressive knock, remaining unbeaten on 64 off just 33 deliveries to steer her side home.
- Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten 100 off a solid strike rate, featuring 15 boundaries.
- Shree Charani claimed career-best figures of 4/23 in her quota of overs.
- Beloved Biza top-scored for Zimbabwe with a fighting 62 runs off 92 balls.
- India comfortably chased down the target, finishing at 200/1 in just 27.1 overs.
What Happens Next
With this comprehensive nine-wicket triumph, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and established early dominance. The team will look to carry this winning momentum into the second ODI encounter, focusing on sharpening their fielding after dropping a few regulation catches in this opening match. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will need a dramatic turnaround in their batting and bowling execution to pose a challenge in the remaining fixtures.
Keep browsing Sporting Avenue to get more interesting news from the world of sports. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get the notifications instantly.
