flag
back Back
Fans react as Pratika Rawal’s century leads India to a dominant win over Zimbabwe in 1st ODI

India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in their first-ever women's ODI meeting at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

Pratika Rawal scored an unbeaten century, while Shafali Verma smashed a rapid 64 not out to seal India's victory.

Fans react as Pratika Rawal’s century leads India to a dominant win over Zimbabwe in 1st ODI
Fans react as Pratika Rawal's century leads India to a dominant win over Zimbabwe in 1st ODI (Pic Source: X.com)

India began their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a commanding nine-wicket victory at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on October 24. The reigning ODI world champions chased down a target of 198 in just 27.5 overs, with Pratika Rawal leading the charge through an unbeaten century. Shafali Verma provided explosive support as India returned to ODI cricket after an eight-month break from the format.

The victory also marked a successful start to Smriti Mandhana’s tenure as India’s full-time ODI captain. India’s dominant performance with both bat and ball attracted attention from cricket fans, particularly Rawal’s latest milestone and Shafali’s aggressive knock, which helped the hosts complete a comfortable victory.

Pratika Rawal brings up her third ODI century

Zimbabwe elected to bat first but struggled to build substantial partnerships against India’s bowling attack. Beloved Biza top-scored with 62, while Michelle Mavunga contributed a quickfire 29 off 23 deliveries. N Shree Charani claimed four wickets for 23 runs, while Kranti Gaud picked up three wickets for 42 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 197.

In reply, Rawal anchored India’s chase with an unbeaten 100 off 96 deliveries, registering her third ODI century. She shared a 94-run opening partnership with Mandhana before the captain departed. Rawal then combined with Shafali to guide India towards the target, reaching her hundred with consecutive boundaries and completing a memorable individual performance.

Shafali Verma’s explosive knock puts India in control

Shafali made an immediate impact after coming in at No. 3, smashing an unbeaten 64 off just 33 balls. Her aggressive strokeplay put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under pressure, particularly against leg-spinner Olinder Chare, off whom she scored 43 runs from 19 deliveries. She raced to her half-century in just 29 balls and kept India’s scoring rate high throughout the chase.

The opening partnership between Rawal and Mandhana provided a solid platform, but Shafali’s rapid innings left Zimbabwe with no chance to fight back. She finished the contest with a lofted shot over the bowler’s head as India reached 200/1 in 27.5 overs, sealing a nine-wicket win with 22.5 overs to spare.

Here’s how fans reacted:

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

You may like

Varma leads India fightback in four-wicket victory over New Zealand

straitstimes.com 14 godzin temu

Tilak Varma sets world record for most catches in a calendar year in T20Is during India vs New Ze...

crictracker.com 17 godzin temu

India become second team after Pakistan to play 300 T20Is

crictracker.com 14 godzin temu

Tilak scripts stunning turnaround as India go 2-0 up

cricbuzz.com 15 godzin temu

Abhishek Sharma Creates World Record With 100 Powerplay Sixes In T20 Internationals

in.mashable.com 5 godzin temu

Abhishek Sharma becomes first cricketer in history to achieve this T20I milestone

cricketaddictor.com 17 godzin temu

Arshdeep Singh leads India's T20I wicket charts in a calendar year

crictracker.com 17 godzin temu

Sanju Samson does a KL Rahul, plays first-over maiden against Matt Henry in 2nd T20I

cricketaddictor.com 17 godzin temu

Ishan Kishan ruled out of 3rd T20I vs New Zealand with injury

cricketaddictor.com 18 godzin temu

NZ vs IND 2026: New Zealand vs India Highlights & Review – 2nd T20I

crictracker.com 15 godzin temu