Pratika Rawal Leads India to Nine-Wicket Win Against Zimbabwe

Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten century and Shree Charani claimed four wickets to guide India to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their opening one-day international in Vadodara on Friday.

Zimbabwe was bowled out for 197 in 49.5 overs, and India chased down the target in 27.1 overs, reaching 200 for one to take a one-to-zero lead in the three-match series.

The match marked the start of the ICC Championship campaign for the home side, with the top order delivering a dominant display after the bowling attack restricted the visitors.

Charani finished with career-best figures of 4 for 23 from her spell, dismantling the middle order after the visiting team opted to bat first on a flat pitch.

Beloved Biza top-scored for the visitors with 62 runs off 92 balls, anchoring the innings before falling late in the piece.

India encountered early fielding difficulties, dropping multiple catches during the opening exchanges as Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum.

Kranti Gaud provided strong support to the bowling attack by taking three wickets for 42 runs.

In response, Pratika and Smriti Mandhana put together a 94-run opening partnership to place the chase firmly on track.

Mandhana contributed 32 runs before being caught by Biza at long-on off the bowling of Olinder Chare in the 16th over.

Shafali Verma then joined Pratika at the crease and remained unbeaten on 64 runs from 33 balls, finishing the match with a flurry of boundaries.

Pratika reached her third one-day international century with a boundary, finishing with 100 not out from 96 deliveries to seal the contest with 137 balls to spare.

The two teams will meet for the second match of the series to continue their campaign.