India Dominates Zimbabwe in ODI Series Opener
India's Strong Start in ODI Series
In a remarkable display, Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten century while Shafali Verma contributed a rapid 64, leading India to a nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their inaugural ODI match at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. India successfully chased down a target of 198 runs with 22.5 overs remaining, with Rawal finishing on 100 runs from 96 balls and Shafali not out at 64 off just 33 balls. This victory signifies a powerful beginning for the reigning ODI world champions, marking their return to the format after an eight-month hiatus. Additionally, this match was Smriti Mandhana's first ODI as the full-time captain of India.
Zimbabwe's Innings and Bowling Highlights
Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe opted to bat first but was bowled out for 197 runs, thanks to the impressive bowling performance from N Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud, who collectively took seven wickets. Zimbabwe started steadily, reaching 46 for one during the first powerplay, but Gaud's dismissal of opener Loryn Phiri, who top-edged a pull shot, shifted momentum. Modester Mupachikwa and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano contributed to the innings, but Mupachikwa's struggle ended with her scoring 25 runs off 43 balls, dismissed by Shree Charani after miscuing a shot.
Zimbabwe's Struggles and Biza's Performance
Beloved Biza managed to keep the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs, but faced limited support from her teammates. Zimbabwe found themselves at 140 for six at the start of the 36th over, before Michelle Mavunga's late innings boost of 29 runs off 23 balls helped. Mavunga hit some boundaries but was caught by Jintimani Kalita off Shree Charani's bowling. Biza achieved her fourth ODI half-century, becoming the second-youngest woman to score an ODI fifty against India at 17 years and 291 days, following England's Sarah Taylor. She was eventually dismissed by Gaud while trying to accelerate the scoring.
India's Efficient Chase
In response, Rawal and Mandhana provided a quick start, reaching 48 runs without loss in just five overs. Rawal began aggressively but slowed down to reach her half-century off 54 balls. The opening partnership yielded 94 runs before Mandhana was dismissed while attempting to attack leg-spinner Olinder Chare. Shafali then took control of the chase, increasing the scoring rate with an aggressive approach, reaching her half-century off 29 balls and scoring 43 runs off 19 deliveries against Chare.
Victory Sealed by Shafali and Rawal
With Rawal on 89 and India needing 32 runs, Shafali hit three sixes in one over from Chare, scoring 20 runs. Rawal then hit consecutive boundaries off Tendai Makusha in the 27th over to complete her century. Shafali concluded the match with a lofted shot over off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura, securing India's nine-wicket victory. This match also marked India's return to the ODI format following their World Cup victory in November 2025. Mandhana, who previously led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a Women's Premier League title, began her ODI captaincy with a resounding win.