India Women delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe by nine wickets in their opening ODI match at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on October 23, 2026. Playing their first ODI format fixture in close to eight months, the reigning world champions showed no signs of rustiness as they chased down a modest target with more than 22 overs to spare.
Match Domination and Bowling Brilliance
Opting to field first, the Indian bowling attack quickly dismantled the tourist lineup. N Shree Charani led the charge with a devastating spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 23, while Kranti Gaud provided excellent support by claiming 3 wickets for 42 runs. Zimbabwe were bundled out for 197 runs in total, with Biza offering the most resistance through her knock of 62 runs, alongside Mavunga who chipped in with 29 runs.
- India Women restricted Zimbabwe to 197 all out in the first ODI encounter.
- N Shree Charani returned stellar bowling figures of 4 for 23.
- Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten 100 off 96 balls, recording her third ODI century.
- Shafali Verma blasted an unbeaten 64 from just 33 deliveries to accelerate the chase.
Ruthless Chase and Record Partnership
In response, India overhauled the target comfortably, reaching 200 for the loss of just one wicket in 27.1 overs. Opener Pratika Rawal anchored the innings brilliantly to register her third ODI century, remaining unbeaten on 100 from 96 deliveries. She shared a solid 94-run opening stand with captain Smriti Mandhana, who fell for a well-made contribution before orchestrating a rapid finish alongside Shafali Verma.
Batting at number three, Shafali Verma played a blistering, aggressive knock, hammering an unbeaten 64 off only 33 balls. Her explosive stroke-play included heavy punishment against the bowling attack, dramatically boosting the run rate and allowing Rawal sufficient time to reach her milestone century. Shafali ultimately sealed the comprehensive nine-wicket victory with a towering lofted hit, helping India kick off their new championship cycle in style.
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